Considered from the standpoint of Christian Science, dualism means belief in the reality of both good and evil, Spirit and matter, divine Mind and material mentality. This error of dualism would have us continue to believe that man's existence is at present material, but that through the process of human betterment it will one day become spiritual. However, in the light of the allness and oneness of divine Mind, God, as clearly revealed by the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, true existence does not become spiritual; it has always been spiritual.
With prophetic insight Mrs. Eddy writes thus in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 171): "Through discernment of the spiritual opposite of materiality, even the way through Christ, Truth, man will reopen with the key of divine Science the gates of Paradise which human beliefs have closed, and will find himself unfallen, upright, pure, and free, not needing to consult almanacs for the probabilities either of his life or of the weather, not needing to study brainology to learn how much of a man he is."
This right recognition of man's present and eternal existence as God's divine idea is a prerequisite for the effectual practice of scientific Christian healing. Science shows that man does not become, but eternally is, the exact image or perfect expression of divine Mind, God. Through the study of the Bible and Science and Health one is aided in awakening from the dualistic dream, and one becomes increasingly devoted to the study and application of our Leader's liberating Science.
