Article December 17, 1966 Issue

What Is a Problem?

SARA VELTMAN TUCKER

Just as a mathematician actively utilizes the rules of mathematics in solving problems, so the Christian Scientist utilizes the laws of God in solving the problem of human existence. Writing on this subject, Mrs. Eddy says: "The talent and genius of the centuries have wrongly reckoned. They have not based upon revelation their arguments and conclusions as to the source and resources of being,—its combinations, phenomena, and outcome,— but have built instead upon the sand of human reason. They have not accepted the simple teaching and life of Jesus as the only true solution of the perplexing problem of human existence."^{Unity of Good, p. 9;}

Is not the whole problem of human existence made up of many lesser problems, incidents that appear in our daily human experience? But, someone may be asking, just what is a problem? How do we know when we have a problem?

Just after the end of World War II the writer's family was stationed for a short time in Honolulu. A friend whom the writer made there, a Christian Scientist, was planning a visit of several months to the mainland. She owned a beautiful home in a valley where there was always a wind sweeping down from the mountains, and at times this wind became quite turbulent. She made the remark that before she left the island she would have to do some metaphysical work to keep the shingles on the roof of her house while she was gone. The writer found this remark extremely amusing and asked how on earth one would work to keep shingles on a roof. With considerable feeling her friend replied, "When it's your roof, you find out how."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Individuality and Spiritual Conformity