Editorial February 24, 1968 Issue

Contemplation and Action

Alan A. Aylwin

Recently news items have appeared in the public press regarding a widening interest in oriental philosophy. Many people, including prominent figures in the entertainment field, are attempting through the use of the meditative and contemplative aspects of yoga to heighten their abilities and zest for life and to gain release from the tensions and stresses of modern life.

Where do Christian Scientists stand in this regard? Obviously they would agree that in order to gain inspiration and peace of mind, the semimetaphysics of oriental philosophy is a better expedient than so-called thought-expanding or tranquilizing drugs. It may more closely resemble the true spiritual method, but because it mixes Spirit and matter, Truth and error, it still leaves much to be desired. Mary Baker Eddy writes: "A theory may be sound in spots, and sparkle like a diamond, while other parts of it have no lustre. Christian Science is sound in every part." ^{No and Yes, pp. 13, 14;}

Christian Science is not a contemplative philosophy, although a right sense of meditative contemplation has an important part to play in its practice. This Science reveals the scientific, spiritual method of breaking through the veil of material sense and gaining a deep, satisfying communion with God, the one infinite Spirit or Mind. But it differs from mere mystical contemplation in that it demands that its students prove the validity of their illumination by applying it to the healing of sickness, sin, and inharmony of every kind.

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