"The most active human faculty"

MAE TUCKER

In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," its author, Mary Baker Eddy, says (p. 327), "Reason is the most active human faculty." Mankind is constantly exercising this faculty in its efforts to choose between good and evil, and to ascertain the correct methods to be utilized in the adjustment of human affairs.

We learn in Christian Science that when we reason from the standpoint of materiality we get incorrect results, since we are starting with a belief in the reality of a material universe and a mortal man subject to the limitations and fallacies of the corporeal senses. Reasoning from spiritual premises results in our discernment of the universe as spiritual, created by God and peopled with His spiritual ideas. This type of reasoning leads to the recognition of the scientific unity which forever exists between God and man. Mrs. Eddy says in "Unity of Good" (p. 54): "To admit that sin hasany claim whatever, just or unjust, is to admit a dangerous fact. Hence the fact must be denied; for if sin's claim be allowed in any degree, then sin destroys the at-one-ment, or oneness with God,—a unity which sin recognizes as its most potent and deadly enemy." An understanding of this unity is a sure foundation upon which to build.

The study of mathematics provides a good training in human reasoning. When it is recognized that the problems arising in our daily living can be solved as accurately as a mathematical problem, we shall face them with the same assurance as does the student of mathematics, knowing their solution is dependent upon an honest application of essential rules. We accept as demonstrable the higher problems in mathematics because we are able to prove the simpler calculations. In the same way we acknowledge the efficacy of Christian Science, when accepted as unequivocally and adhered to as strictly. The simplest mathematical problem solved by applying the correct rules, proves the precision of mathematical law; similarly, one healing, however small, accomplished through the application of the divine metaphysics of Christian Science, furnishes conclusive proof of the scientific basis of its teaching. In each instance we receive the correct answer to our problem when we follow the rules, and any errors are recognized and proved to be merely mistakes.

Because of their assumption that there is both a right and a wrong path of conduct, men become confused; but in divine Mind there are no problems, for good is omnipresent. It is only in our human experience that we face conflicting arguments, and this condition arises from our belief in the reality of matter. When we gain more of the Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus," we are able, as he did, to walk over the currents of mortal mind's superstitions and fears, and no longer admit their claims to power. Step by step, through the understanding which Christian Science gives, we approach nearer to our goal of perfection.

We are admonished in the Scriptures to be able to give a reason for the hope that is in us. The most convincing of these reasons are the proofs in our individual experience of the healing power of divine Love, demonstrated by the application of the truths of Christian Science. What earnest student of this Science has not derived beneficial results, and sometimes long-sought relief from inharmony, from a grateful enumeration of healing already received? Each healing remembered and reacknowledged is an effectual expression of gratitude and an honest recognition of the healing efficacy of Christian Science. We know that gratitude for all that is good in our human experience is a potent factor in the overcoming of error, whether it be manifested as disease, fear, or sin. The seeming power of evil vanishes before a grateful heart as fog is dispersed by the sunlight.

Because "reason is the most active human faculty," error, in the form of aggressive mental suggestion, seeks to operate against this activity, endeavoring to dull, thwart, or paralyze its right expression, not only in individual experience but in national and international affairs. Christian Scientists today, as never before, are faced with the imperative necessity of being alert to this form of error.

Our Leader states in Science and Health (p. 96): "This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace." And she continues on the same page: "During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection."

Only in the proportion that earnest students of Christian Science endeavor prayerfully, steadfastly, and persistently to prove the truths revealed in the teachings of Christ Jesus, and so clearly interpreted by our beloved Leader in her writings, will they "aid in the ejection of error." The forces of evil which today may seem paramount must fall before the understanding of the allness of God, as the walls of Jericho fell before the shouting hosts of Israel.

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