IN THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BIBLE LESSON November 22, 2010 Issue

DEFENSE AGAINST THE APPARENT EXISTENCE OF EVIL

FENELLA BENNETTS

THE QUESTION of good and evil has occupied thinkers throughout history. The widely accepted view is that these are two real but opposing powers. However, it is possible to reason that, ultimately, good is the reality and evil the illusion. Christian Science is based on this theodicy—meaning the branch of theology that defends God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of the apparent existence of evil.

This week's Bible Lesson states its terms boldly: "Ancient and Modern Necromancy, alias Mesmerism and Hypnotism, Denounced." The term necromancy is given a wide definition here, to include all forms of negative mental influence and control to which individuals might be susceptible without the understanding of how to defend themselves spiritually. Just as there is one short but essential chapter on this subject in Science and Health ("Animal Magnetism Unmasked," pp. 100–106), so this is the one vital Bible Lesson, out of the 26 titles, that directly handles this question.

The premise on which the Lesson is based is that God, good, is the only power, and that this exposes evil's powerlessness; hence, the strong command in the Golden Text, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Rom. 12:21). The Responsive Reading affirms the assurance and protection we experience when thought and living are aligned with God's goodness.