Statistics on the subject of crime often stagger the imagination. When the Christ, or Truth, as revealed in Christian Science, is more generally understood and practiced, material beliefs, opposed to the Christ, are stirred to their utmost. A final confrontation between the spiritual forces of good and the suppositional material forces of evil ensues. Mrs. Eddy says, "During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check."Science and Health, pp. 96, 97 One might wonder how that which involves so many persons in diverse stages and states of consciousness could possibly be held in check by Christian Scientists.
We might start by asking, "Just who or what is the criminal?" Mrs. Eddy writes: "Can matter commit a crime? Can matter be punished? Can you separate the mentality from the body over which courts hold jurisdiction? Mortal mind, not matter, is the criminal in every case; and human law rightly estimates crime, and courts reasonably pass sentence, according to the motive."p. 105 When we begin to see that we are dealing solely with the mortal, or carnal, mind, which has no identity, we are making a right beginning.
In Christian Science, mortal mind is a term used to define that which is actually nonexistent. It is the evil belief in a mind or power opposed to God, or good. Evil claims that it can motivate mortals to do its will. But Christian Science teaches that mortal mind is not mind and that it can be proven unreal and powerless.
