Article December 13, 1969 Issue

Practical Treatment for Children

MARGARET CASE PAULUS

People who do not understand the teachings of Christian Science sometimes question the stand that a student of this Science takes in regard to the treatment of disease, especially when the case is that of a young child. However, one who thoroughly and impartially investigates these teachings can see that spiritual treatment of disease through the proper application of Christian Science is practical and effective.

Those who depend on the supreme power of God, good, to heal, sustain, and protect their children find Him always available. The rules of divine healing are basically simple. They are founded on the spiritual fact that a perfect God creates all His children in His image and likeness. Therefore each of His offspring must be perfect, pure, intact. Mrs. Eddy writes: "In Science man is the offspring of Spirit. The beautiful, good, and pure constitute his ancestry. His origin is not, like that of mortals, in brute instinct, nor does he pass through material conditions prior to reaching intelligence. Spirit is his primitive and ultimate source of being; God is his Father, and Life is the law of his being."^{ Science and Health, p. 63;}

When individuals taking care of children steadfastly perceive that in their genuine spiritual identity they are beloved expressions of Spirit, these children experience increased energy, health, and protection. Children must be seen as spiritual ideas, constantly dwelling "in the secret place of the most High."^{ Ps. 91:1;} Parents and others charged with the care of children should recognize that it is the mist of materiality that would becloud their concept of children. They must consistently renounce suggestions that material heredity and immaturity have claims on identity. God's beloved offspring knows only one Father-Mother and thus has only a good inheritance, complete, fully expressed being.