Right Normality

Ella W. Hoag

Mankind is talking much in these times of normalcy or normality. To-day there is a general trend in human thought towards the desire for that which men call normal and right in all things. As a rule they have considered normal conditions to be those which result in a pleasant sense of harmony, with consequent peaceful effects; and they are striving to bring about such conditions in human affairs. They are, however, attempting to do this largely through the contemplation of what consentaneous human opinion has denominated as natural and humanly satisfactory; and because they have not always recognized the varied meanings of the term "natural," there has been more or less confusion in their efforts.

In order to think lucidly on this subject it must be realized that there is a definite distinction between the divine and the so-called human nature; between that which is spiritually natural and that which claims to be materially so. It must also be recognized that normality refers to that which is worked out according to rule; hence, a clear line must be drawn between what Spirit decrees as naturally normal and what human belief claims to be so, if a positive rule is to be followed. In other words, divine Mind counts as normal all that results from and is in accordance with its own perfect, harmonious laws, while mortal mind may claim that to be natural and normal which is worked out in line with its material and shifting beliefs.

Christian Scientists are often heard voicing the desirability of leading what they are pleased to call a normal life. Unless they are carefully on guard they may easily be betrayed thereby into accepting and following many and devious paths. They may even be led into such pursuit of human means and methods as shall ere long turn them sadly astray from the straight and narrow path of Spirit. To allow human nature to dictate as to what is true normality is often to drop one into the very "gall of bitterness" and into "the bond of iniquity." Since that is truly normal which is natural to divine Mind, the one and only real cause, the only way one may understand the right must be to understand divine Mind. And when one understands that Mind and loves it and lives in obedience to it, he will of necessity do those things which are natural and normal to Mind. As one comprehends and reflects man's true nature, the nature of Spirit, he will naturally do that which is truly normal.

If, however, our thought of normality be conformed to mortal mind standards, we may denominate as normal that which conforms to human law, the law which Christian Science shows us is false. We must cast out this wrong basis of normality if we would think correctly, and recognize and accept only that which is in accord with God's law of righteousness for man, that which is the outcome of a right understanding of good.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 138) Mrs. Eddy says, "The detail of conforming to society, in any way, costs you what it would to give time and attention to hygiene in your ministry and healing." Here our Leader certainly shows us very definitely that it is never safe to base our acts on the ordinary standards of human, material belief. Following merely the concepts of so-called mortal mind can never lead into less than ever denser material effects. There is no question but what the only safe ground for the Christian Scientist is to shape his life in obedience to Paul's wise but withal heart-cleansing admonition, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

This rule of Paul may to mortal mind seem a "hard saying," since it demands constant spiritualization of thought and act. To live in obedience to it one must indeed measure his every tendency by the rule of Spirit in order that his life may glorify the Most High. No Christian Scientist need imagine that, unless he is willing to find true normality only in that which continually and renewedly brings material sense into subjection to Spirit, he can ever take right steps forward in the gaining of true spirituality.

"Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." This is the only way that Christian Scientists may attain right normality and live a truly normal life—a life which is pleasing to God in every way.

Ella W. Hoag

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