Editorial October 11, 1993 Issue

Christian healing and the overcoming of fear

William E. Moody

Some fears weigh heavily on humanity. They are founded on the false belief that life is essentially physical and, consequently, always at risk, subject to debilitating diseases and uncontrollable accidents. Such fears chain people in the very bonds of mortality itself. They rob the individual of peace, deaden hope, and would make daily life a burden of nearly constant anxiety, instead of being a constant joy.

Among the many blessings of healing through prayer in Christian Science, however, is the actual destruction of human fears. When we come to feel the nearness of God as infinite Love, and are touched by His regenerating power as divine Principle, we gain a renewed sense of strength, vigor, and spiritual courage. The mask of fear is removed, and we own a clearer vision of who we truly are as the loved child of God—His spiritual likeness manifesting eternal Life and immortal Love, cared for and maintained in perfect wholeness.

The removal of fear is, in fact, an essential aspect—even a moral and spiritual requirement—of the legitimate practice of Christian healing. Consider the following statements in the chapter "Christian Science Practice" from Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy. Here the author gives specific instruction in the treatment of disease according to the system of scientific Christianity demonstrated by Christ Jesus. Mrs. Eddy writes: "Fear, which is an element of all disease, must be cast out to readjust the balance for God. Casting out evil and fear enables truth to outweigh error" (p. 392). Later in the same chapter, the rule is explicitly stated: "Always begin your treatment by allaying the fear of patients." And then it is affirmed, "If you succeed in wholly removing the fear, your patient is healed" (pp. 411–412).

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