Science and Peace

JEANETTE L. NADEL

To the beginner in the study of Christian Science there often comes the sweet assurance that he is entering upon a blessed, peaceful state of existence. This is indeed true in the spiritual sense, but if one is simply looking forward to a life of ease in matter, he is apt to be rudely awakened. Christian Science by no means promises us peace or satisfaction in material belief; rather does it awaken us to become dissatisfied with materiality, and teaches us how we should actively combat error. The sluggish, apathetic sense of existence, which cries "Peace, peace; when there is no peace," is the greatest enemy to true peace.

To this condition of mortal experience Jesus said, "I came not to send peace, but a sword." Later, however, speaking of peace in its true sense, he said: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." To the peace of mortal mind Jesus was clearly a disturbing element, and it was said of him, "He stirreth up the people." It is the false sense of peace that cries out: "Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us?"

Mortals who have embraced the false sense of peace are severely rebuked by our Leader. On page 211 of Miscellany she says of such, "They are sticklers for a false, convenient peace, straining at gnats and swallowing camels." Christian Science does not assure us that we shall escape trying ordeals, any more than does the teacher promise her pupils that they will be exempt from examinations and the demand for unceasing progress; rather does she help them to gain the understanding which will carry them through these trying periods. The examination is not given as a punishment, but simply to test them, in order that they may advance, if ready for promotion.

In Isaiah we read, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." This promise was made to Israel, beloved of the Lord. They were not to be spared the purifying effects of the fiery ordeal, or the cleansing power of the waters of affliction, but the promise was that the Christ, Truth, would be with them and show them the powerlessness of evil.

In like manner Christian Science teaches us that while we may not escape the testing time, for, as Paul says, "the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is," we can by consecrated effort gain an understanding of Truth which will sustain us in every trial, until ascending thought shows us the unreality of all forms of error and we no longer fear or recognize any power in them. This, then, is the true or perfect peace which can be calm in the midst of seeming trials. This is the peace which comes when we refuse to be troubled or fearful at any aspect of error, the peace which Jesus left to his disciples. In Isaiah we read: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

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