Throughout the world, almost 200 countries celebrate their freedom and independence. In fact, over twenty countries are celebrating their national independence day during this month of July. The fight against oppression that results in freedom and greater opportunities for self-governance is celebrated and honored worldwide.

On a recent video to introduce the new Christian Science Monitor Daily news product, Monitor editor, Mark Sappenfield, said that “news is the story of us; it’s the story of our struggle for dignity, for justice, for fairness, for compassion, for progress” and “that path is rarely straight or easy.” But every slow and steady step of progress—where tyranny is put off and progress for the greater good is embraced—is a step more spiritual. And struggles for a higher humanity unite us.

Seen spiritually, our individual struggles for freedom, health, and holiness are our stand against the oppression and tyranny of materialism and are urged forward with the collective hope and conviction that freedom is possible. Here is where Christian Science, explaining the law of God, helps to unite us and to give strength to our human efforts to realize that freedom.

Christian Science teaches: “Man is tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else. God’s being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 481). We learn that God, Love, is the divine Principle behind Jesus’ healing works. Christian Science shows how we can practice Christian healing today with great love and compassion for one another—honoring one another’s life experiences—regardless of the challenges. Humanly, we have trials. Mrs. Eddy experienced this and wrote: “We must have trials and self-denials, as well as joys and victories, until all error is destroyed” (Science and Health, p. 39). Further on, the rich rewards of overcoming adversity are explained. “Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff …. Sorrow is salutary.… Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love” (Science and Health, p. 66).

Church is a healing force that brings us together, helping us gain these new views of divine goodness and love. Its impact is that of “elevating the race,” rousing the dormant thought to more spiritual ideals and demonstrating Christian healing (Science and Health, p. 583). Freedom from material limitations is something we all yearn for, and Church gives us an opportunity to join with others to claim our freedom, overcome challenges, and rejoice together. Church can give us a way to work out our own salvation and healing in an environment free of judgment and criticism. It is natural to want to join with others in this noble work.

But what would try to trivialize the healing influence of Church and subdivide its progress and potential? In a word: personality. A couple of divisive forms personality takes are timidity and superiority. Timidity tends to isolate individuals and would imply that one is inadequate to help, or is at a loss for words, or is fearful to draw attention to a problem, thus turning down opportunities of mutual blessing. Or, in the work of Church, there may be times when one sees spiritual progress and healing as a personal achievement, instead of as a humble acknowledgment of divine Love’s ever-present care and action. It’s a subtle thing, but a type of snobbery may spring up in the form of a belief that those who are the healthiest or wealthiest are also the most spiritual. This kind of attitude can foster an unspoken fear of failure that leads individuals to feel ashamed or not welcomed if they are sick, lacking, or struggling with so-called sin. This atmosphere of thought repels instead of attracts. And this has nothing to do with Christian Science, the law of Love, that unites us in the freedom of the Truth.

“The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love” (Science and Health, p. 367).

At a large church meeting focused on healing prayer, one participant started acting strangely, wandering through the seats, talking with others, and disrupting the whole presentation. When others came to gently lead her out, she protested loudly. At this point, the speaker stopped and then asked all of us to pray silently and then pray aloud together. There was a tangible peace in the room. As it was normally time to break for lunch, we did so. When we came back, the speaker’s wife was with this individual. They sat in front. The speaker’s wife’s arm rested around this woman’s shoulders. From time to time this woman would look up to her and they smiled. There was no shame or embarrassment, no pressure from anyone toward this woman to act a certain way. It was clear that we were there to learn more about the healing power of Love. Little did we realize we all had a front seat to see that unconditional love in action. I heard later that this woman was soon well and in her right mind. Her mental challenges were met with open-armed love and unconditional support from the whole group.

We are not alone in the struggle against all oppression and discord and in our efforts toward healing. Healing unifies us, as is expressed in this hymn: 

We can support and love one another as we work through any challenges. And as we do, we’ll see our understanding of God’s omnipotence and love grow, resulting in greater freedom, compassion, healing, and progress for all. And that is something we can all celebrate—together.

Kim Crooks Korinek