Article March 9, 1957 Issue

LIFE EXPECTANCY

ALMA M. SEETH

Life expectancy is a term used to indicate the duration of life an individual may expect after any specified age and is computed by vital statistics. However, to a Christian Scientist, life expectancy is based upon the understanding of God as eternal Life and of man as His spiritual offspring, coexistent and coeternal with Him. Christ Jesus knew this truth when he declared that knowledge of God and of himself is life eternal.

It is recounted in the Bible that a certain rich young man asked our Master (Matt. 19:16), "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" Jesus answered that he must keep the Commandments. When the young man averred that he had always done so, Jesus said to him (verse 21), "Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." The young man went sadly away. He did not understand that his true treasure was spiritual.

Real life begins with God and is included eternally in Him. Mary Baker Eddy saw this fact clearly. She writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 246): "Life is eternal. We should find this out, and begin the demonstration thereof. Life and goodness are immortal. Let us then shape our views of existence into loveliness, freshness, and continuity, rather than into age and blight." Earlier on the page she says: "Chronological data are no part of the vast forever. Time-tables of birth and death are so many conspiracies against manhood and womanhood." She understood that man is the beloved child of God, His spiritual heir, inheriting all goodness, health, holiness, and immortality from Him.

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