Article January 11, 2016 ISSUE

‘The alterative, healing effect of Truth’

Debra Corry Brandt

I have always been fascinated by Mary Baker Eddy’s use of the word alterative. Her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which is the textbook of Christian Science, states that “Truth is an alterative in the entire system, and can make it ‘every whit whole’ ” (p. 371). An experience I had several years ago helps illustrate the healing power behind a spiritual understanding of this concept.

I am a Christian Science nurse, and in that capacity I’d promised a friend, who is also a Christian Science nurse, that I would take care of her patient while my friend was on vacation. But when the time actually came, I was ill myself. I didn’t have the stamina to go to my own mailbox or walk the dog, let alone take care of someone else. My husband even rescheduled his annual “boys’ getaway weekend” to stay home and help me.

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