Article November 28, 1994 Issue

Beware the deceiver!

Elaine R. Follis

The popular animated motion picture The Lion King tells the story of a lion cub, born to inherit his father's place as king of the jungle. His nemesis, however, is his jealous uncle, a devious beast who is determined to keep the little cub from reaching maturity and claiming his birthright. His plot succeeds for a time, primarily because the cub listens to him and believes, not just one, but a whole series of lies. In the film, the cub is urged to prepare himself to rule the jungle—by cultivating a deep, rich growl, for example. But no one—not the father lion, not even the wise old baboon—gives the cub the information essential to his safety and success. No one ever warns the cub about his uncle's malice. No one shows him how to keep up his guard and be watchful. And none of the cub's natural talents does him any good until he eventually learns to do that.

Sometimes important truths are found in the most unlikely places. This film furnishes an interesting illustration of the workings of what is referred to in Christian Science as animal magnetism. Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered this Science, explains in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:" As named in Christian Science, animal magnetism or hypnotism is the specific term for error, or mortal mind. It is the false belief that mind is in matter, and is both evil and good; that evil is as real as good and more powerful. This belief has not one quality of Truth. It is either ignorant or malicious" (p. 103).