Article October 16, 1989 Issue

Man's perfection: practical or naive?

The evidence against the reality of spiritual perfection may seem substantial. But prayer provides a different perspective on the true nature of God's creation.

Mary Barnes

If I said to someone who didn't share my appreciation of Christian Science that man remains perfect, that person would probably tell me not to be so naive. Just look, he or she might say, at the overwhelming evidence of imperfection in every direction on the human scene.

From a purely materialistic point of view this is true. At one moment someone may appear exceptionally contented and joyous. Then some change in circumstances could cause a complete reversal of that joy. Similarly, continued health is normally considered to be far from certain.

How is it, then, that the Christian Scientist can affirm with absolute conviction that man remains perfect? It is because the man who remains perfect is not a physical mortal but the spiritual image, or reflection, of God. The Bible points to the reality that man is made in God's, Spirit's, image and likeness. Since God is Spirit, man is wholly spiritual, and this is the man who remains perfect in health and joy.

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