Article June 22, 1974 Issue

Thought Quality Determines Experience

GLORIA NOVAK CHRISTENA

In the light of Christian Science human experience is viewed as the product of thought. The thoughts we entertain in consciousness determine the nature of our experience just as certainly as the slides inserted in a projector determine the picture on the screen. A viewer displeased with the projected image wouldn't assail the screen to force it to come up with a more acceptable view. Neither should we expect that by trying to maneuver human circumstances—people, places, things—we will come up with a better experience.

In much the same way as the solution to an unpleasant picture is to have better slides, the solution to an unsatisfactory experience lies in inspired thinking. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, states the case clearly: "Mortal mind sees what it believes as certainly as it believes what it sees." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 86;

We may hesitate to accept this concept. It deprives us of the selfish indulgence of blaming our problems on others or on circumstances beyond our control. It forces us to face up to the fact that we bear considerable responsibility for our own experience. But what more could we ask than to feel we have control—at least of our thinking—rather than feel we are completely at the mercy of outside conditions—the thoughts and acts of others, the whims of chance?

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
A Well-marked Way
June 22, 1974
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit