Editorial March 23, 1963 Issue

Constructive Argument

Helen Wood Bauman

In Christian Science treatment, or prayer, argument plays an important part. True it is that the spirit of Truth, the Christ-spirit, gives one power to heal the sick and sinful without argument, if he possesses the spirit sufficiently. And this kind of healing is the goal of the Christian Science healer. But at our present stage of spiritual growth, the devout declaration of God's allness and man's perfection, as well as the denial of evil, needs development. The intelligent argument of Christian Science is usually a necessity and a boon.

Mary Baker Eddy provides thorough instruction in scientific argument. To note an instance, she gives this fundamental rule in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 418): "Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony." And she adds, "All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality." This instruction is in strict accord with that of Christ Jesus recorded by John (8: 32), "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Scientific argument should fit the case under treatment. In other words, it should be specific, for treatment in Christian Science corrects false beliefs, or mistakes, which are specific. Truths should be specifically stated and errors specifically denied.

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