THE main theme of Christian Science is that Truth, Spirit, is real, and that matter, error, is unreal. But this does not mean by any possible inference that we are to ignore or dismiss the specific suggestions of error which insistently seek our acceptance, or fail to replace such false beliefs with the specific truths of which they are but faulty counterfeits. The handling of error in Christian Science requires constant vigilance, speedy recognition, and persistent action so that nothing may enter or dwell in consciousness which "defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie."
In an article entitled "Ways that are Vain," on pages 210 and 211 of her book "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes: "Certain individuals entertain the notion that Christian Science Mind-healing should be two-sided, and only denounce error in general,—saying nothing, in particular, of error that is damning men. They are sticklers for a false, convenient peace, straining at gnats and swallowing camels."
The danger of generalizing in the handling of error is here laid bare, and the need to replace error's specific claims with the spiritual truths that nullify them is emphasized. Success in healing and in overcoming any false belief is in exact proportion to the thoroughness with which we uncover the specific error and then destroy it by logical reasoning based upon our understanding of the truths of Christian Science.
