Editorial February 10, 1986 Issue

Prayer and the healing of mankind's animosities

BARBARA-JEAN STINSON

Everyone who longs for peace in the world ponders a similar question: Will wars and the longstanding animosities that fuel them ever cease?

There is a simple but profound answer given in The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany. Mary Baker Eddy writes, "War will end when nations are ripe for progress."^{Miscellany, p. 281.} Since spiritual progress is the demand and the law of God, the unfolding of Christ, Truth, within every human heart will go on. It is not necessary for animosities to be repeated through endless cycles of history.

Yet we might ask, "How can progress take place in the consciousness of those who live in an atmosphere of constant hatred? Will years of suffering eventually compel people to give up their prejudices and animosities?" Progress doesn't have to come about through suffering. All those who love God, good, can help by praying fervently and consistently for mankind. Prayer transforms human consciousness.

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