Editorial May 16, 1994 Issue

A lesson from the garden

Richard C. Bergenheim

Sometimes those who practice Christian Science healing today are too general in their mental treatment. It is not uncommon to hear people say that the essence of treatment is to deny the error and to know the allness of God. But if one doesn't know that this is a great abbreviation of actual practice, such a statement is caricature of what truly constitutes effective healing work. It's like a fine pastry chef declaring that he just threw the ingredients together, stuck the cake in the oven, then took it out and arranged it on the plate.

Christian Science healing is practiced effectively by those who have developed the Christian character it requires. As the Bible notes, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:1). It should be noted that the process of treatment is of little effect without "the preparations of the heart." This point is made at some length in the opening pages of the chapter "Christian Science Practice" in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. After that chapter has established this essential foundation for all healing work, the method of treatment is explored at some length.

The attentive reader will note that the chapter is filled with specific instructions. The author points out that whatever the ailment or trouble is, there are often specific errors or beliefs that need attention. If one examines the instructions for healing a fever, consumption, paralysis, effects of accident, addiction to alcohol or tobacco, to name just a few, one will find direct guidance regarding the arguments that are helpful in handling each case.

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