Article June 2, 1980 Issue

Hazardous wastes: no threat to "living waters"

ROSALIE E. DUNBAR

Disposal of hazardous wastes is rapidly becoming a worldwide problem. Industrialized countries are already grappling with the need to control chemical and radioactive residues. Developing nations must balance the need for progress against the importance of preserving their environment. In some instances, such as the Love Canal case in New York State, careless disposal of chemicals has already poisoned properties.

The legal and political steps taken to stop abuses and reverse the damage already done may have limited impact, however, unless these steps are undergirded by a substantial change in the kind of thinking that leads to initial carelessness. Nor is it sufficient to wash our hands of the whole situation, saying that irresponsible corporations are at fault and remedying it is their exclusive responsibility. Instead, we can play a valuable role in bringing about equitable solutions for both the individuals and the businesses involved. Christian Science offers a way to change our prospects by purifying our approach to progress and to the environment. We do this by drinking in the "living water" that Christ Jesus mentioned when he spoke with a Samaritan woman by a well. He said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."^{ See John 4:10-14;}

Wasn't this "living water," which Jesus offered, the cleansing and refreshing power of Truth? As their conversation continued, the woman recognized that Jesus presented the Christ, or Messiah. To the extent that she drank in his teachings, she would be accepting the Word of God and its rule in her life.

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