Article January 10, 1953 Issue

"FASTING FROM CRITICISM"

EDITH LOUISE NEALE

When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal the lunatic boy he replied (Matt. 17: 20), "Because of your unbelief," and then added, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." A Christian Science lecturer in quoting this answer of Jesus' added, as one way of interpretation, "fasting from criticism." To one in distress, waiting eagerly for a rule for healing, fasting from criticism may seem too mild a remedy to meet his urgent need. Yet the more one wrestles with the habit of criticism in oneself, even if triumphing only in small ways, the greater the depth of meaning one sees in this interpretation of fasting.

Now criticism can be valuable, helpful, for example, in holding to a true standard of excellence in the study of art, music, and literature. It can be useful in determining logical and moral values. But the criticism we commonly apply to persons is not always motivated by an honest desire to preserve high standards in character and conduct for ourselves. It may even have its origin in an unconscious effort to exalt ourselves. Someone has aptly said, "We get the illusion of rising when we are pushing someone else down."

If the thought of the critic were truly selfless, he would have no sense of self to exalt, for there can be no lowering or raising of God's man, who is forever at the point of perfection. The realization of this truth brings the healing to which the lecturer doubtless referred when he spoke of fasting from criticism. To think only of the perfect man is to fulfill exactly the requirements given by Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought."

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