Editorials

By introducing the concept of God as absolute Principle— universal, immutable, final, supreme—Christian Science throws new light on the origin, existence, and properties of natural law. From Newton to Einstein, physicists envisioned an orderly "clockwork" universe—a universe of predictable character in everything from microscopic particles to cosmic forces.

The way that Christ Jesus revealed for us requires self-denial. And this self-denial is synonymous with self-sacrifice: the giving up of all beliefs that man is a mortal, an independent material entity, a self-important ego.

Many kinds of circumstances turn Christian Scientists to prayer. They often pray just for the joy of praying and because they love God, the source of all good.

Maybe this is a timely moment for the above topic, because we publish in this issue the annual listing of areas in which Christian Science teachers are holding classes. Also, our lead article deals in some depth with praying effectively, and learning how to achieve that certainly is an important purpose of class instruction in Christian Science.

There may be times when people who pray for their world feel the patient not only is unresponsive but virtually rejects the treatment being given, the spiritual enlightenment offered. Can a patient—whether an individual or the world itself—be helped if he appears to oppose the work done on his behalf? I've often marveled at the courage Christ Jesus displayed in confronting the Gadarene.

Restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper" is bringing to light a whole new concept of the painting. In past centuries, other artists have daubed over Da Vinci's original, significantly changing some details.

If there's any single word that can adequately describe the present-day role of the Manual of The Mother Church, that word is "protection"—protection that comes through obedience to the standards it sets. • Protection for the individual, whether an inquirer, a church member, or a patient having Christian Science treatment.

Fundamental to the demonstration of Christian Science is an understanding in some degree that God, good, is what the Bible implies—All-in-all. From God's own revelation of His allness, Christian Science deduces evil's nothingness.

An item in a Chicago newspaper contained some particularly interesting thoughts. Although the account was published years ago, some of the observations provide useful reading for today.

When we've been healed and had other benefits from Christian Science, it's natural for us to be deeply grateful for this wonderful gift. But even though our list of blessings is long, we may well ask: Do I really grasp the deeper dimensions and wider applications of the truth this Science reveals? Paul observed, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.