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Let's leap up
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.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
October 3, 1994 issue
View Issue-
If the light goes out of our lives
Susan Jackson Cobb
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"... And a Change of Heart"
William Raspberry
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"Love hath one race ..."
Virginia Houge Stevens
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Petition
Margaret Singleton Decker
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All one in Christ
Eugene G. Stone
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Truth is changing the world
Eleonore Miersch
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Dear Sentinel,
with contributions from Megan, Carlin, Brooke, Nathan, Colleen
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Let's leap up
Marian Cates
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Why stereotypes hurt—and how we can challenge them
William E. Moody
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Healing—and why it's irreversible
Russ Gerber
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When my husband and I found I was going to have a baby...
Janice Doll Rush
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Sometimes a spiritual healing is not as immediate as expected
Sydney T. Dunton
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About six years ago I remarried
Name withheld
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I should like to tell you about an experience I had a short...
Mary Jane Atkinson