(Second of two editorials discussing critical challenges mankind face in a highly technological society. The first, which appeared last week, was entitled "No mechanized man. ")

A constant turnover of goods and products is considered necessary to the economic structure of an industrialized society. A consequence of abusing this process, however, is that many people have come to accept planned obsolescence virtually as a standard of life. From automobiles on the highways to the electric toaster on the kitchen counter, so many of the things around us seem to be purposely predestined to fall apart.

The implications of such a world view go much deeper than merely the breakdown of the machines and contraptions that provide material comforts. And one commentator on twentieth-century experience has suggested, "Perhaps it is this specter that most haunts working men and women: the planned obsolescence of people that is of a piece with the planned obsolescence of the things they make." ^{Studs Terkel, Working (New York: Avon, 1975), p. xxii .}

But an individual's true life is never valueless or meaningless. True identity cannot become obsolete. Why? Because God, Mind, is eternal cause, and His effect, His reflection, man is also eternal. Man's real life, purpose, and capacity are permanent, unlimited. Man is divine Mind's perfect idea. God preserves His ideas, each necessary and important. For without the continuity of being and spiritual expression, Mind's creation would be only imperfectly conceived, thus chaotic, incomplete. Such is not possible in the realm of perfect, omnipotent Mind. As the child of God, each of us is precious to our Father-Mother.

Christ Jesus demonstrated that man's true being is designed for immortality, not planned for obsolescence or termination. Many centuries after the time of the patriarch Abraham, Jesus proclaimed, "Before Abraham was, I am." ^{John 8:58.}

When Jesus was sought by people with long-term or "incurable" illnesses—people threatened with physical obsolescence in their society—he healed them. He even raised some from death, the ultimate claim of obsolete being. And he came forth from his own tomb, finally to ascend to his Father. He fully proved man's immediate worth and eternal glory as the heir of God.

One who is facing the so-called senior years of human experience may have to meet even more directly the impositions, the lies of obsolescence that the world would suggest. It might be claimed that an individual, because of age, no longer has much of value to contribute. But we can prove through Truth that one's ideas need not be out of step with contemporary experience or unworthy of serious consideration. Man's capacities and capabilities are not limited and faltering but are infinite, perfect, and constantly progressing. The delusions of a finite mortal mind, which is itself a lie, can be denied and cast off as we understand and demonstrate scientifically through redemption and spiritual growth the truth of man's immortal, irrepressible being.

Our prayer can reveal to us both the opportunities and the means to prove that man reflects God, infinite Mind. Man's spiritual senses, his God-given abilities, are limitless, boundless, ageless. In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, a section in the chapter "Footsteps of Truth" helps especially to explain the Christianly scientific basis for refuting the false suggestions of obsolescence. Pages 246-249 include a number of references pertaining to immortality, continuity, the eternal nature of God and His manifestation. There is also specific guidance in these pages on what is required to prove these truths in our lives. Science and Health declares (p. 246): "Except for the error of measuring and limiting all that is good and beautiful, man would enjoy more than threescore years and ten and still maintain his vigor, freshness, and promise. Man, governed by immortal Mind, is always beautiful and grand." Three pages later the textbook asserts (p. 249), "Life is, like Christ, 'the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.'"

In divine Science we ultimately learn that whatever expresses true goodness continues unabated. Christian Science shows reality to be that which is spiritual, eternal, good—that which God creates. Then, only what is erroneous, material, temporal, evil, is obsolete. Anything that would pretend to oppose God's allness actually has no power to support it; and the human consciousness that knows the redeeming Christ also comes to know the total nothingness of error. Lies of mortal mind—evil, error, materiality—have no substance, place, or purpose in the kingdom of God.

A deep love for God and a constant yearning to fulfill His will vitalize and invigorate our existence. We can feel our Father's constant care and know the ever-fresh newness of spiritual living.

Regardless of the mechanistic definitions of life promoted in a technological era, man is not a psychologically programmed, limited, aging biological machine. Man is spiritual idea. Divine Mind's loved expression can never be outmoded, useless, obsolete. You can never be obsolete. The New Testament promises, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." ^{II Cor. 5:17.}

WILLIAM E. MOODY

Canst thou by searching find out God?...
If thou prepare thine heart,
and stretch out thine hands toward him;
if iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away,
and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
For then shall thou lift up thy face without spot;
yea, thou shalt be stedfast,
and shalt not fear:
because thou shalt forget thy misery,
and remember it as waters that pass away:
and thine age shall be clearer than the noonday;
thou shalt shine forth,
thou shalt be as the morning.

Job 11:7, 13-17