Article June 10, 1985 Issue

A vital difference

BRYAN G. POPE

To onlookers it is often a complete mystery why Christian Scientists do not use drugs or other medicines, or turn to some other material method when in need of healing. To Christian Scientists the matter is, however, quite simple. They are seeking something they feel is far more important even than bodily healing. If physical healing were the only goal, the method or methods tried would be of no particular account, as long as effective. But Christian Scientists see healing as among the added things of which Jesus spoke when he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."^{Matt. 6:33.}

It is interesting to note that Jesus' second instruction to his disciples was to heal the sick; the first was to preach the good news (the gospel) that the kingdom of God is at hand.^{See Matt. 10:5–8 .} It is the understood light, harmony, and power of that kingdom which heals.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has this to say: "Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science." She continues, "The emphatic purpose of Christian Science is the healing of sin..."^{Rudimental Divine Science, p. 2.} Christian Science shows that sin of all kinds, together with the misery that results from sinning, is an illusion springing from a sense of estrangement from God, the only source of spiritual light, goodness, power, harmony, real health, and real life.

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