Surprising as it is to Christian Scientists, there are those who view Christian Science as a form of escapism or self-delusion. Yet there is a world of difference between the various forms of thought-manipulation, willpower, positive thinking—and, on the other hand, the breakthrough of revelation that illuminated Christ Jesus' mission, made possible his healing work, and is expressed today in Christian Science.
In the light of modern experience there can be little doubt about the great capacity of the human mind for self-deception. As Mary Baker Eddy writes, "... mortal mind is liable to any phase of belief."
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 419 But a self-induced hypnosis is something entirely different from the discovering of eternal, divine reality and the spiritual laws of divine Principle, or Truth. It is something altogether different from the demonstration of those laws in healing and regeneration, as practiced by the Master, by his early followers, and by Christian Scientists today.
Current systems of thought-manipulation start with the human mind and depend on human mind-power. They rest on the assumption that mind is the product of organic matter, even when supposed mystic or psychic influences are credited with power. Christian Science starts with infinite God, Spirit, Love, the Father of whom Christ Jesus spoke—infinite Mind; and it starts with the definition of reality and consciousness as wholly spiritual, in contrast to a physical universe and man.
