Article September 12, 2011 Issue

Committed to progress and healing

Persistence isn’t a stubborn human determination, a closely held plan, or a stoic martyrdom.

By Christopher Jones

One of the greatest things about Christian Science, to me, is the fact that anyone, at any time and under any circumstance, can express the Christ, God’s message of supreme love to each of us, and, by doing so, see improvements in their human situation, bless those around them, and progress spiritually. 

I was raised in a church whose doctrine felt more theoretical and promissory, and so discovering such a useful, practical religion as Christian Science was the answer to what I had long considered an impossible prayer. Mary Baker Eddy says in Science and Health: “Beyond the frail premises of human beliefs, above the loosening grasp of creeds, the demonstration of Christian Mind-healing stands a revealed and practical Science. It is imperious throughout all ages as Christ’s revelation of Truth, of Life, and of Love, which remains inviolate for every man to understand and to practise” (p. 98). Since finding Christian Science a number of years ago, I have had many opportunities “to understand and to practise” its efficacy and utility. 

Much of the time, I’ve rejoiced that the answer to my prayers has come quickly and decisively. Sometimes, however, despite consecrated and thoughtful metaphysical work, it has seemed as though my prayers went unanswered, and I have been left wondering: Was there something wrong with my prayer? Am I not “advanced” enough spiritually to demonstrate healing in this circumstance? Is there some new lesson I need to learn before I can hear God’s answer?