Article July 31, 1954 Issue

THE PRACTICALITY OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

JEANETTE F. SUTTON

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. Christian Science acts as an alterative, neutralizing error with Truth. It changes the secretions, expels humors, dissolves tumors, relaxes rigid muscles, restores carious bones to soundness. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." The foregoing passage from page 162 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, is representative of many passages contained in this book which set forth the practicality of Christian Science.

This Science is intended to meet the human need; it is the good Samaritan to this age and to all ages to come. It will be recalled that when the Samaritan of Christ Jesus' parable saw the man who had been beaten by robbers and left in a pitiable condition by the roadside (Luke 10:30–35), he "came where he was" and lovingly took care of his needs. Similarly, Christian Science is practical and available to one in his present condition and, as its teachings are utilized, will meet his need for healing.

Occasionally one hears a remark to the effect that in Christian Science one does not attempt to heal matter. Such a statement cannot be found in Science and Health, and it might be misunderstood by one who knows little of Christian Science, causing him to believe that this religion would be of little practical help in getting rid of the errors which seem very real to him. In Christian Science we learn that matter and its conditions, including sickness, are merely the effects of erroneous, sinful, or fearful thinking. Our work, therefore, is to maintain the spiritual truths of man in God's image, which destroy these false beliefs. And this activity results in improved bodily conditions and human well-being. Mrs. Eddy states on page 350 of Science and Health: "'The Word was made flesh.'Divine Truth must be known by its effects on the body as well as on the mind, before the Science of being can be demonstrated."

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