A decades-long student of Christian Science called a Christian Science practitioner for prayer regarding a physical problem. During the conversation, the caller said he couldn’t remember ever having had a physical healing in Christian Science. But the practitioner reminded the caller that she had heard him at numerous weekly testimony meetings in their branch Church of Christ, Scientist, relate beautiful, clear-cut healings he’d had. 

Have you ever found yourself in a similar position, trying to remember a time when you’d had a spiritual victory, even questioning whether you know how to pray in a moment of need or feeling confused about your commitment to Christian Science? If so, you are not alone. 

How could clear spiritual insight, the certainty of God’s presence and power, recede from view, until we become confused or simply forget what was once solid conviction? It’s what Mary Baker Eddy termed aggressive mental suggestion, coming from what the Apostle Paul called the carnal mind. It’s the belief in a power apart from God, Spirit—from the divine Mind, which is all-knowing and all-encompassing.