In large communities much attention has been given during recent years to ways and means by which to minimize the pollution of the atmosphere. In Christian Science we learn that any harmful or disagreeable atmosphere can be eliminated through Christianly scientific measures. Just as Christian Science through prayer or right thinking acts on the human mind to destroy its erroneous conceptions and thus brings about a better sense of health, so it brings to bear upon the human belief of disturbed or impure atmosphere, both physical and mental, the healing influence of Spirit, God.
The kingdom of heaven is not a distant domain, but a present state of the consciousness of good. Jesus asserted that "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21). Heaven is defined, in part, by Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as "the atmosphere of Soul" (p. 587). This truth, understood, is the starting point for a solution of so-called material atmospheric problems. In reality there is no mortal environment. All that truly exists is heaven, "the atmosphere of Soul." That atmosphere is clear, pure, harmonious in every respect. It cannot possibly be less than Godlike.
According to mortal belief there is an opposite to heaven called hell. Mrs. Eddy defines hell in part as "mortal belief" (ibid., p. 588). Hell cannot create either a good or a bad physical or mental atmosphere, since it is a mere negation, a mindless belief. It is the opposite of everything that is good, worthy, or true. It appears only as a false claimant to reality. It is darkness and shadow, and has no heavenly hues.
