A QUESTIONS & ANSWERS EXCHANGE

with contributions from an inquirer, a reader, a minister, editorial staff

This column is a place to explore questions with other readers and with the editorial staff of the Sentinel. The responses are offered not so much to close the question but to open possibilities for further prayer, exploration, and living of spiritual truth.

Q. I believe in the mind-body connection, but why not work this understanding into the use of traditional medicine?—from an inquirer in Massachusetts

A. It all hinges on how we see ourselves. If we think of ourselves as a material body that needs periodic maintenance with so many years used up and so many to go, then it makes sense to turn to mind/body therapies. To those holding this view, there's an understandable anxiety about relying totally on spiritual means for healing. But, if instead we see ourselves as spiritual beings created by a very real and caring God, divine Spirit, and maintained by God, it's natural to think of spirituality itself as medicine. Reliance on such a healing method can't rest on faith alone; it has to be understood and proved step by step.

In one sense, life and intelligence in matter is a dream, and dreams can seem either blissful or pretty horrible. Each of us is at a different point in awakening from the dream of mortal life to recognize our actual spiritual individuality as God's reflection. I feel a close kinship with those who are searching—who may still be relying on conventional medicine but who also feel a deep desire to know humanity's spiritual resources, to know God, and to know themselves as God's cherished offspring. I believe we're walking in the same direction. There's room on the road for everyone. More and more, people are ready seriously to consider a medicine that is wholly mental and spiritual. You might enjoy reading the chapter "Science of Being" in Science and Health. Its last eleven pages give a platform for spiritual healing.—from a reader in Vermont

Q. Is there some requirement that patients need to understand before they can be healed in Christian Science? I know of some faith healing traditions in which [if someone is not healed it is said that the individual] has not enough faith in God to be healed.—from a minister in Tennessee

A. This question is quite similar to an inquiry Mary Baker Eddy has responded to; her comments are found in the "Questions and Answers" chapter of her book Miscellaneous Writings, on page 33 (lines 12–20). Here it's made clear that everyone has the opportunity to be healed through spiritual means, and that the healing itself often strengthens one's faith in the power of God. Two other related questions and her response can be found in the same chapter, on pages 38 (lines 25–12) and 45 (lines 12–20). In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy makes another observation related to this issue, citing experiences from her healing practice (p. 359, lines 7–10).

The writings of Mrs. Eddy can be read or purchased at any Christian Science Reading Room, and Science and Health is also available in many bookstores.—from the editorial staff

To our readers: If you have a question to raise, write:

Christian Science Sentinel Q&A
P–602
The Christian Science Publishing Society
One Norway Street, Boston, MA 02115–3122 U.S.A.

Our E-mail address: Sentinel@csps.com

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit