Article September 12, 1988 Issue

Dealing with "the harsh noises of our day"

Noise pollution is a major challenge of industrialized societies. How can we find and promote peace?

Dorcas W. Strong

Many people today live or work in environments where harsh noise daily challenges their peace and their ability to function well. The atmosphere around us sometimes seems polluted with noise. This problem often spawns other problems —reactions of annoyance, frustration, anger, fear, and a feeling of helplessness to do anything about it.

But there is something we can do. We can turn to prayer to overcome these reactions and bring about necessary adjustments. The motive of such prayer isn't simply to improve a human situation. Its primary purpose, we learn in Christian Science, is to draw us closer to God. Prayer opens our eyes to His absolute control and loving care of His creation. Praying to understand God's nature, we learn more about our wholly spiritual selfhood as His image, the calm reflection of Soul. "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee," Job 22:21. the book of Job counsels.

The deep spiritual truths of the Bible provide insights into how we can deal prayerfully with all problems, including those of disturbing noise. Referring to the man of God's creating, the Psalmist declares, "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet." Ps. 8:6. This promise of God-given dominion certainly extends to the atmosphere we live and work in.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Poem
Where I live
September 12, 1988
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit