Editorial June 28, 1969 Issue

Health Is Not Passive

Helen Wood Bauman

One definition of the word "passive" is, "acted upon by an external agency." Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary; The medically oriented individual is passive. He takes a drug or submits to its administration and then waits for it to take effect. He may admit dimly that his disturbed physical condition is related to his dispositional traits or to harsh experiences, but he still expects the medicine to correct the illness.

Is not the student of Christian Science in somewhat the same position who asks for a Christian Science treatment and then waits passively for something to happen? Does he think of health as a state of mind that can be restored merely by being "acted upon by an external agency"? If he does, he will be loath to enter into the healing experience by working to regenerate his character and overcome his fears and other godless, disturbing influences. But he will be forced to see that he must cooperate with the practitioner who is helping him.

According to Christian Science, health is an active state of thought, not a passive one. It is the reflection of God, divine Love, or Mind, and to demonstrate health calls for a continuing exercise of spiritual vigor to the extent that this is possible.

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Editorial
The Way of Escape
June 28, 1969
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