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A sound mind
Originally published in the September 6, 1972 issue of The Christian Science Monitor
Each day we find more and more attention being paid to what is termed mental retardation in children. There are a growing number of crusades aimed at the prevention of “birth defects.” Much thought is being given by many kind and loving individuals about how best to help those who seem to have come under this cruel deviation of mortal existence. All honor is due the love and humanity behind such efforts.
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Yet even the most optimistic of those who employ the most modern and advanced human methods candidly admit that this problem of preventing and curing such afflictions requires more than is being done.
What can this “more” include?
For one thing, it can begin with the immensely heartening conviction that it is absolutely unthinkable that an all-loving God could ever or would ever decree, or agree to, such cruelty for a tender, innocent child, or for grieving parents. This great and determining truth is stated with absolute clarity by Jeremiah when he writes of the Father: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jer. 29:11 Thus, no one need entertain the discouraging thought that there is divine justification or divine reason for such a condition.
And one can do far more. It is not enough merely to know that God could not possibly will or create such a condition. One must also be firmly convinced that such a condition is utterly and completely impossible for the child of God, created in the Father's likeness. This fact—known, believed, held to, and rejoiced in—can heal any condition which testifies to the contrary.
In view of the extent to which public thought is being directed toward this particular problem, it is both wise and necessary for all prospective parents to give careful heed to protect their unborn offspring well before the actual birth. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, “The offspring of heavenly-minded parents inherit more intellect, better balanced minds, and sounder constitutions.” Science and Health, p. 61 Parental purity, combined with an absolute faith that the infinitely loving Father-Mother God, divine Mind, can countenance no such thing as mental retardation, can be an effective defense against such a condition.
But what if mental retardation seems already present? Is it too late? Indeed it is not. The remedy for healing is as certain, as God-ordained, as that for prevention. It lies in the unwavering recognition that man's mentality is a reflection of the divine Mind. As such, it is generically impossible for man's mind to be other than totally whole, healthy, and acute. This irreversible fact, steadfastly held to, can destroy human evidence to the contrary.
But the words “unwavering” and “steadfastly” are critical. There must be no yielding to discouragement. There must be no acceptance, however partial, of false claims about the perfect spiritual image and likeness of God. There must be no deferral of the continuous assertion and acceptance of man's perfection. It is such steadfastness in one's conviction of God's all-goodness toward man that destroys any lie about man's health and normalcy.
Let us remember Paul's unequivocal words to Timothy: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Tim. 1:7
What God has given cannot be taken away.
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1973 - PAMPHLET
Mental health
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