Article July 20, 1968 Issue

Basic Training—Christian Science Style

[For young adults]

RALPH BYRON COPPER

A Christian Scientist entering military service soon discovers that basic training—the period of indoctrination in military procedures— can also serve as an opportunity for him to give himself some basic training in the demonstration of Christian Science. Each day he can listen for the spiritual truths that master limitation, despondency, and suffering. The Christ, Truth, ever present and ever operative in human consciousness, imparts spiritual ideas of God and His creation, which in turn meet the newly inducted serviceman's human needs practically and effectively.

Because leaving family and friends is not always easy, many feel that military service must of necessity bring a sense of separation and loneliness. But faithful application of Christian Science defeats homesickness. The Scriptures declare God to be omnipresent Spirit and ask: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."^{Ps. 139:7,8}

To feel the presence and comfort of infinite Love, his Father-Mother God, the new serviceman must be actively about his Father's business, that is, expressing, reflecting, manifesting, His goodness. Why? Because man, the spiritual idea of God, is the active, individualized expression of divine Mind. Loneliness vanishes when one recognizes his true identity and its essential place and eternal purpose in fulfilling God's plan.

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