Our Mental Atmosphere

W. Stuart Booth

One theory of the physiologists claims that pure air is one of the essentials to the health of mankind. And from the standpoint of belief that life is dependent upon matter and is sustained by breathing, this theory appears reasonable. In passing it may be said that it is anomalous, indeed, that anyone who has accepted this theory should deliberately befoul the air he breathes with tobacco smoke. Now Christian Scientists rightly value pure air. Christian Science teaches cleanliness because it harmonizes with and should be indicative of right, pure thinking. As Mrs. Eddy says in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 383), "We need a clean body and a clean mind,—a body rendered pure by Mind as well as washed by water."

Christian Science makes clear the fact that our mental atmosphere is of paramount, yes, vital importance, not only to our health, but also to our happiness, peace, and prosperity. This has been proved in the experience of many men and women who, after looking in vain to medicine and climatic conditions to relieve them of troubles which had been diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis or other diseases, turned to God and His law, Christian Science, and were healed. They lost their fear of and for their human bodies as they learned that God is Life, and that "in him we live, and move, and have our being," as Paul states. Some of these beneficiaries have coincidently won release from the false belief that they either desired or required tobacco and alcohol. In gaining their healing they learned the necessity of watching their thinking, that they might reject as false, unattractive, and impotent any thoughts which do not speak of God and His goodness, divine Love and its harmony, purity, and freedom.

Throughout her writings, including the Church Manual, our Leader gives specific counsel and direction regarding literal obedience to this injunction in the epistle to the Philippians: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Christian Science emphasizes the fact that each individual must learn to think as our Master would think under similar circumstances. He thought correctly about every problem which confronted him, and thus the influence of his mental activity and atmosphere was corrective and healing. Because Jesus consistently thought from the premise that God, divine Love, is the only Father or creator, he defined the devil or evil as a liar. This scientific definition was verified by Christ Jesus' works, for he proved all manifestations of evil to be falsities; he annulled sin, healed sickness, and overcame death.

Frequently, favorable comment is made by observant visitors regarding the mental atmosphere pervading Christian Science Reading Rooms. Doubtless this atmosphere is largely due to the observance of the requirement in The Mother Church Manual (Art. XXV, Sect. 7): "No objectionable pictures shall be exhibited in the rooms where the Christian Science textbook is published or sold. No idle gossip, no slander, no mischief-making, no evil speaking shall be allowed." Small wonder that those who are burdened by sin and sickness, by lack and limitation, should feel the healing presence of the Christ when they visit the Reading Rooms seeking comfort and relief. Indeed those who, in that atmosphere, have dropped their burdens and have gone forth encouraged, inspired, and healed, constitute a grateful host.

Christian Scientists are learning that a pure mental atmosphere such as is maintained in Reading Rooms can and should be carried with each individual continually. In fact this mental state should be characteristic of every follower of Christ Jesus. As the light of Truth enters individual human consciousness, and true ideas, such as gratitude, justice, joy, unselfishness, and purity, are made one's constant companions, it is found that objectionable mental pictures are replaced by those which are pleasing and profitable. Even as light in a room excludes darkness, so the activity of spiritual ideas in human consciousness precludes "mischief-making" and slandering suggestions. One who is busy with good has neither time nor inclination for idle gossip about evil.

Christian Science exposes the unreality of evil. It shows that it is never personal, even though it may seem to use those who believe that evil has power to harm or to help. Then for students of Christian Science to personalize evil and error, and gossip about their false beliefs is worse than idleness—it is harmful. There is cause for rejoicing in the fact that an increasing number are learning to think and live that love which reflects divine Love. Because of the omnipresence of divine Love, the healing and harmonizing influence of those whose mental atmosphere bespeaks Christ, Truth, is incalculable. Let us, then, permit no clouds of error to darken our mental atmosphere, to becloud our consciousness of good, but let us open wide our thought to the light of Love, the light of Life.

W. Stuart Booth

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December 9, 1933

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