Article November 17, 1956 Issue

PERFECTION, THE STANDARD IN CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

MARIE C. CHENEY

Lift up a standard for the people," exhorted the prophet (Isa. 62:10). Earlier in the book of Isaiah we find prophecies of the coming of him who, not only by precept, but by his life example, set for the people of all time the highest physical, moral, and spiritual standard.

Christian Science, the Science of Christianity, which Mary Baker Eddy discovered and founded, holds high the same true standard —perfect God and perfect universe, including man. The mission of this Science is the correction of false, human beliefs by spiritual truths and the establishment of harmony in daily living. Far from being beyond the reach of mankind, Christian Science is found to be applicable and demonstrable at every stage of human existence and in every aspect of human experience.

In Christian Science we learn that man is not a creature made in God's own image and likeness and then left to shift for himself, expressing good or evil as he sees fit. Man's identity is continuous as the pure and perfect reflection of God's pure and perfect individuality. Because man is a representative of the infinite and indivisible God, the Most High, man's selfhood cannot be improved upon. To make human conditions better, however, one must prove this spiritual fact: man is perfect. In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he enumerates the fundamental requirements. He wrote (4:8), "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

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