At First, one might think that any scientific textbook on health and wellness that's been around for over a hundred years would have little to say that would be a practical help to a modern physician. Yet, when it comes to explaining what effect certain kinds of thoughts have on patients—from thoughts that are harmful to thoughts that heal—Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy is timeless. In fact, people today and ever since the book was written have found that Science and Health helps them to be better caregivers and healers, regardless of their chosen calling.
For the physician, even when first welcoming a patient, there's an opportunity to help. "The doctor's mind reaches that of his patient," writes Mrs. Eddy.Science and Health, p. 197 We all know what it's like to be in the presence of someone who is either confident or fearful, enthusiastic or indifferent, and then find ourselves feeling the same. Thoughts may sometimes commingle. And this should open our eyes to the opportunities we each have—even in a moment's time, even if we're not a physician—to be a beneficial influence rather than a detrimental one in helping someone feel better.
Here's where Christian Science offers important insight and direction. It shows the extent to which the right kind of thoughts—understanding the spiritual truth of God and man—can improve someone's life, even to the point of healing disease, ending pain, eliminating disorders and anxieties, and overcoming sin.
