“…A spiritually correct view heals”

I was so grateful for the assignment to read (or in my case, re-read) A Century of Christian Science Healing. It reaffirmed in inspiring ways, that when Christian Science is understood “As the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony.” (Rud 1:2), there is no mechanism of mortal mind that can derail its healing effect – not skepticism, indifference, hatred, discouragement, passage of time nor by beliefs held by old theological, medical theories, or psychological teaching.

The fact that a spiritually correct view heals was brought out in every section of the book!

The accumulation of evidence that attests to the efficacy of Christian Science treatment whether given absently, in an office or home visit, (yes, home visits are not a thing of the past!), by one’s own regeneration of thought through the reading of the textbook, a Christian Science periodical or an issue of the Christian Science Monitor, a recollection of some truths learned in Sunday school, inspiration gained by attending a church service or a college Christian Science Organization meeting, unexpectedly finding a “dusty abandoned copy of Science and Health”, all resulted in substantial and practical verifications under testing times in many of life’s arenas – business, personal relationships, heredity and climactic challenges, mental impositions, poverty, entrenched prejudices, organic as well as functional disorders – just to name a few. And I loved the fact that no one is left out of the beneficial effects of this “practical, operative” universal system of divine healing – men, women, children, all races and nationalities. I loved also how often the Bible is mentioned as integral to the education and practice of Christian Science! It awakened in me, once again, how important it is to want to share this “pearl of great price”, for so many of the healings recorded were the results of a friend, a neighbor, a business acquaintance, a fellow service member, introducing the notion of healing made possible by means of Christian Science treatment. It awakened a resolve to be more on the alert to share Christian Science.

It is difficult to isolate a single submission that was the most impactful. I will cite two.

Robert Shannon’s struggle to handle the fear of loss of his eyesight that begins on page 97 brought out two significant points. Yes, the audible declaration of the “scientific statement of being” came readily to his defense (as it does to so many of us). Most importantly, he adds that “with the conviction of its truth, the fear the pain subsided and I received an instantaneous healing.” “Conviction of the truth” is such a key element in healing. It alerted me to the important point that no amount of skepticism in worldly thought can dull my sense of conviction in the healing power of Truth, and that it is Truth that makes free, not persons.

A second testimony that meant a great deal to me was Peter Henniker-Heaton’s submission beginning on page 156. It gave such hope when dealing with healing that appear protracted by knowing as he so surely did, “healing will certainly come if the truth is persistently and correctly applied”. I asked myself how persistent am I in Truth-knowing, and am I radically reliant on Mrs. Eddy’s discovery as she taught it? Keeping a clear, honest answer to these questions in mind provides good “course correction” when faced with challenging situations, for no matter how challenging, if one is persistent in applying the truth correctly, healing victories are assured! I loved Peter’s buoyant expectation of healing, the fact that “great spiritual joy filled his thought, and gave him the conviction that “the recognition of God’s allness and evil’s nothingness” would “irresistibly take charge of the physical condition” and bring it into conformity with God’s will for man, perfect health!