Article September 1, 1973 Issue

Continuous Joy

MARGUERITE E. BUTTNER

Where does joy come from? Are effervescent delights and serene variations of joy mere passing emotions, mere human feelings that change with circumstances? Or can joy be attained so securely that, even though it changes in expression, it is never absent? Hedonistic philosophies consider happiness the most important goal, but do they necessarily bring one really deep and enduring joy? How does Christian Science view joy?

Happiness, by itself, is not something to be set up as a goal. Rather is it the natural result and indication of right thinking. Instead of being an end, it is, in Christian Science, a normal expectation. As a prime objective it might be selfish and therefore impossible to achieve. Mrs. Eddy found that "happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it."^{Science and Health, p. 57;}

Joy that is both complete and lasting has Spirit as its source. Superficial merriment that is a momentary crest before feelings drop into despair's nadir is not the joy we really seek. We need no sad contrasts to make us appreciate happy moments. Nor should we be content with euphoria. Fleeting and false concepts are hardly worth pursuing when continuous joy from God is already ours for the accepting.

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