Testimony of Healing October 4, 1999 Issue

Prayer heals tuberculosis

Ronald E. Knowlen with contributions from Dorinda Reed

During World War II, while I was purser on a merchant ship, I began experiencing some physical difficulties. A friend suggested that since we were near Panama, perhaps I should go ashore to the hospital for an examination. Up to this time, any problem that I had ever had, had been taken care of through prayer and the study of Christian Science. Nevertheless, I decided to take my friend's suggestion, and after an examination, I was informed that I had advanced tuberculosis, and that if I lived, which the doctor seemed to think was doubtful, I would be an invalid or semi-invalid and could probably never work. They transferred me immediately to a restricted ward for patients with this condition. Going back to my ship was denied. I was, however, allowed to telephone a Christian Science Wartime Minister. After some time I was shipped back to New York on a navy hospital ship, and from there I was able to return home.

The first thing I did once I was home was to contact a Christian Science practitioner. We prayed together for many months, solving this problem. One of the citations he encouraged me to pray with was from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: "Become conscious for a single moment that Life and intelligence are purely spiritual,—neither in nor of matter,—and the body will then utter no complaints. If suffering from a belief in sickness, you will find yourself suddenly well" (p. 14).

I wished to further my education, but in order to enroll at a university, a tuberculosis test was required. The result of the test was positive, so I could not continue with my plans. Science and Health points out, "Immortal man is not and never was material, but always spiritual and eternal" (p. 336). It seemed that this was becoming quite clear to me. However, because I was no longer active in the merchant marine, my draft classification was changed to 1A. I was then called to be examined for induction into the army. After the physical examination, the officer asked how I had gotten downtown. I told him that I had driven down in my car. He then informed me that if he had an ambulance available, he would send me home in it, as my condition seemed that critical to him. This would seem to be a very discouraging statement to hear, but by this time, I was beginning to realize who I really was, "the spiritual image and likeness of God" (Science and Health, p. 206).