Protests—peaceful or violent—usually make the headlines. These protests may be constructive or they may do more harm than good. There is, however, a higher form of protest, which is always beneficial and results in spiritual progress. Mrs. Eddy refers to this type of protest in Science and Health, where, in speaking of Jesus, she writes: "It is neither Science nor Truth which acts through blind belief, nor is it the human understanding of the divine healing Principle as manifested in Jesus, whose humble prayers were deep and conscientious protests of Truth,—of man's likeness to God and of man's unity with Truth and Love." Science and Health, p. 12;
Each one of us can follow Christ Jesus' example and make "protests of Truth." These must be based on a recognition of the allness of God, Truth, and of man's perfection as God's reflection. Protesting for the truth of being, we protest against error. Indeed, protests against evil are founded on the truth—the allness of spiritual good. If a friend were wrongfully accused, we would rise to defend him. We would protest against the injustice of the accusation by asserting his innocence. Likewise, if confronted by suggestions of disease, we defend ourselves by affirming our spiritual innocence.
Our spiritual progress is advanced by our affirmations of good. These in turn strengthen our denials of evil. Like the Shunammite woman, we need to take our stand for ever-present harmony, no matter how real or severe the evidence of discord may appear to be. According to the biblical account, when her young son died and before setting out to seek help from Elisha, the Shunammite assured her husband, "It shall be well." Later she is shown making an even more confident protest. In response to Elisha's question, conveyed to her by his servant, "Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?" she replied, "It is well."II Kings 4:23, 26; Elisha subsequently proved her confidence to be justified by restoring her son to her, alive. Inspired protest is often needed to enable us to triumph over adversity. In this way, obstacles are turned into blessings.
