Article March 28, 1983 Issue

Aggressive mental suggestion: what it is

NOLA A. COOK

Aggressive mental suggestion. What is it? And why do we need to confront it?

First of all, aggressive mental suggestion is simply a term—just one of the terms Christian Science uses—to describe that which would seem to influence one into thoughts or actions that are contrary to his own highest nature. Other terms for this seeming, silent action are error, animal magnetism, mental malpractice, tempter, and enemy.

Secondly, aggressive mental suggestion needs to be discussed in order that an individual may be alert to its methods and thereby recognize animal magnetism's spurious claim to influence or intimidate or interfere. A discussion need not make error seem more real or powerful. Quite the contrary. For instance, if we were preparing for a tennis match or a political debate, we might feel it extremely helpful to know our opponent's techniques or strategy. And so it is with animal magnetism. To be alert to the methods or techniques of animal magnetism is most helpful in our demonstration of dominion and joy.

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