Christian Science teaches us that the right understanding of individuality is of great importance in the care and the protection of the human body. Many physical ills stem from some form of attack on the individuality of man. This is why the understanding of God as Soul, which is the substance of individuality, is essential in demonstrating harmony and health in human experience. Mrs. Eddy says, "Soul is the substance, Life, and intelligence of man, which is individualized, but not in matter." ^{Science and Health, p. 477;}

What we experience in the form of a human body is our present sense of identity. It is a human concept held in consciousness, and it represents our thoughts about individuality. As we understand and demonstrate the facts of being that God is perfect Mind, divine Principle, and that real man is the spiritual image and likeness, the perfect reflection of this Mind, we shall improve our thoughts about individuality. Our human body will progressively express the influence of this advancing thought and will manifest more harmony and well-being.

In this process of spiritualizing our thinking and living, we are called upon to deny the beliefs of material thinking, the belief that there is life and intelligence in matter, the belief that pleasure and pain are in matter, and the belief that matter can condition us in any way. But we are never called upon to malign or abuse the human body. Our whole approach to dominion over the body is so to improve our thought and our concept of individuality that the body will reflect the government of divine Principle.

In this Science we are taught to turn our thought away from matter to Spirit, from body to Soul, in order to find the way of salvation. The examination, observation, and manipulation of the body do nothing for us in the way of improving our happiness and dominion. But the investigation of the attributes of Soul, the exercise of the qualities of Love, and the identification of one's being with divine Principle bring a sure sense of fulfillment and happiness. In this activity we realize more of the nature of man as God's child and feel something of the kingdom of heaven within us.

In some philosophies there is a definite attempt to destroy individuality, that is, to lose the individual in the universal. This procedure promotes the theory that the individual can solve his problems by attaining oblivion or by losing his sense of identity. This type of thinking is devilish, for it leads to self-extinction. It solves nothing. It is the same type of thinking that gives rise to suicide as a way out of problems. It may parade as religious fervor and sacrifice of self, but there is nothing scientific about it. Under such systems there is little value given to the human being, and there is little respect for individuality.

Mrs. Eddy says of Christian Science, "It absolutely refutes the amalgamation, transmigration, absorption, or annihilation of individuality." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 22;} Real manhood is not to be sacrificed but demonstrated. It is not to be denied but realized. Man, in the image and likeness of God, must become more distinct and real to us with each progressive step. It is the denial of the false sense of selfhood that helps us to realize true individuality. Demonstrating our oneness or unity with God does not destroy identity but rather glorifies it. In Science and Health we read, "This scientific sense of being, forsaking matter for Spirit, by no means suggests man's absorption into Deity and the loss of his identity, but confers upon man enlarged individuality, a wider sphere of thought and action, a more expansive love, a higher and more permanent peace." ^{Science and Health, p. 265;}

Sometimes one is led to believe that the highest type of living is to reject the joyful, the colorful, the happy, inspirational things in human experience. A cloistered, drab sense of being is equated with spiritual-mindedness. This is not the dominion with which man was created. The Psalmist burst forth into song in his praise of God. He spoke of God as being clothed "with light as with a garment." ^{Ps. 104:2;} He said of God, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." ^16:11. Demonstrating individuality as the expression of God should lead to more variety, more joy, more dominion, for it broadens one's concept of Life and enables one to see more of heaven here and now.

The persecutors of Jesus were attacking the Christ, his true identity, when they were seeking to destroy him. Jesus knew that the Christ is purely spiritual and out of reach of his enemies. He maintained his clear sense of the Christ as his true selfhood. He reflected the qualities of God, the indestructibility of Soul. In defending his true sense of individuality, he was able to raise his human body from the grave.

As we defend the Christliness of our thinking and living against all attacks, we are bound to realize more of God's presence and power and to feel the care of the Almighty. We shall learn more and more how to care scientifically for the human body by demonstrating our true individuality in the likeness of God.

William Milford Correll