Are you aware of animal magnetism? This is a term used in Christian Science to denote the nature of all evil as a mesmeric but mistaken belief in a power apart from God.
A speaker at a Christian Science association meeting once brought the attention of those attending to this statement in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy: “The mild forms of animal magnetism are disappearing, and its aggressive features are coming to the front. The looms of crime, hidden in the dark recesses of mortal thought, are every hour weaving webs more complicated and subtle. So secret are the present methods of animal magnetism that they ensnare the age into indolence, and produce the very apathy on the subject which the criminal desires” (p. 102).
The speaker explained the importance of steadily increasing our vigilance and defensive prayers to discern and overcome these “more complicated and subtle” webs in order to be more effective Christian healers.
Doing so has made me more alert to the false claims of animal magnetism. It has also helped me see that God’s children cannot be unalert, indolent, or apathetic. Because our creator, God, divine Mind, is ever awake, active, and engaged, we are created only as that which is discerning and vibrant.
I have had opportunities to apply these spiritual truths throughout my career. At various times—for example, in workshops and office discussions—I have been exposed to a theory that people can be classified into different personalities (for example, those who are introverted versus extroverted). Although doing so is meant to help people better understand each other, the theory is based solely on a material perception of who we are, rather than on a completely spiritual perception. Focusing on a material picture limits our ability to see the harmonious and spiritual individuality of ourselves and others that is real and everlasting.
A few years ago, when I had a strong disagreement with a fellow member of a management team, I was reminded that a consultant had once remarked that no one on our management team was strongly people-oriented. This apparent lack seemed, at first glance, to be the underlying cause of the disagreement. However, when praying about the situation, I realized a couple of things.
First, I had never adequately challenged this material claim that members of our management team were not people-oriented. I recognized that I needed to vigorously challenge this right away by knowing that it is spiritually impossible for God, divine Love, to create someone with any type of lack. God does not create anyone who is not kind, respectful, or considerate of others.
Next, I saw that these psychological theories were an example of the “more complicated and subtle” webs of animal magnetism. Thus, I needed to be alert to them and wake up from the misty claims of human personalities; I needed to handle the problem on an entirely impersonal and impartial basis.
I have been able to see my colleagues as God knows them: humble, respectful,
competent, wise, loving.
As I prayed, I was reminded that the kingdom of heaven is “at hand” (Matthew 4:17) and “within you” (Luke 17:21), as Christ Jesus explained. Science and Health defines “Kingdom of Heaven” as, “The reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme” (p. 590). As the Christlike expression of divine Mind, we are always equipped with the ability to discern between truthful thoughts originating in God and erroneous ones that do not come from God. We can and do understand that only the thoughts coming from God have power and reality. Praying along these lines, I was able to regain peace, and I returned to a normal, constructive, healthy relationship with my colleague.
In mediating conflicts between work colleagues, I have found it important to consistently recognize the utter nothingness of apparent material personalities, and the infinite allness of divine, spiritual individuality. Science and Health very clearly states, “Material personality is not realism; it is not the reflection or likeness of Spirit, the perfect God” (p. 337). Another of Mrs. Eddy’s writings states that “Jesus taught us to walk over, not into or with, the currents of matter, or mortal mind” (Unity of Good, p. 11). As my prayers have lifted me above the material picture of discord, I have been able to see my colleagues as God knows them: humble, respectful, competent, wise, loving. This spiritual view has resulted in peaceful resolutions to conflicts. It has also helped me see that every one of us is part of God’s harmonious kingdom, where all are always in their right place and naturally coordinate harmoniously with one another.
More recently, I came across the theory of attention deficit trait (ADT), which claims that over sustained stressful periods, managers and executives can become more easily distracted and impatient and can experience an inner frenzy. This then prevents them from clarifying priorities, making wise decisions, and remembering appointments (see Edward Hallowell, “Overloaded circuits: Why smart people underperform,” Harvard Business Review, January 2005).
When I realized that I had experienced these symptoms during various intense work periods, I knew I had to more regularly affirm that there is only one Mind, God. Therefore, all true thoughts come solely from God and must be Godlike, orderly, productive, and peaceful, and they must readily and fully meet the need at hand.
The Bible informs us, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23). Our thoughts are included in this divine order. And we reflect the ability to discern between legitimate, God-sourced requests and those that would distract us. Through holding to these truths, I have seen a gradual lessening and eventual disappearance of the stress-related symptoms.
We are all endowed by God with the capacity to discern these “more complicated and subtle” webs and to be liberated from their limiting traps. We can all take up this needed work and be free!
