Article October 3, 1994 Issue

Let's leap up

Marian Cates

The notion that zest for life must diminish as one grows older is based on a false notion. Going along with the material view of man—as a higher form of animal who's born, grows, matures, and then deteriorates and dies—has a demoralizing effect that stifles confidence and joy.

In marked contrast, the teachings of Christian Science present man in a wholly different light, as the likeness of his Maker —completely spiritual and free. "The radiant sun of virtue and truth coexists with being," Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health. "Manhood is its eternal noon, undimmed by a declining sun." Further along on the same page she goes on to say, "Except for the error of measuring and limiting all that is good and beautiful, man would enjoy more than threescore years and ten and still maintain his vigor, freshness, and promise" (p. 246). Being God's very expression, His perfect offspring, man reflects undiminishing vitality.

So what are some of the arguments that would lead us to doubt this spiritual truth? First, there's the notion that we're tied down—to a job, a bad situation, a grueling schedule—and simply can't express vigor and joy. There's the belief that man is loaded down with responsibility or guilt or fear or remorse, and so can't respond buoyantly to life.

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