Can one be an optimist and a realist at the same time? Can he look at the evils in life and yet judge them to be secondary to the good that life includes? And where do the teachings of Christian Science stand in relation to optimism and realism?
Many believe that Christian Science leads one to look on the bright side of things and have greater faith in good than in evil. While this is true, Christian Science is as far from optimism as mere belief is from demonstrable Science.
Optimism generally admits an evil side to existence, and although this evil side may be seen as secondary, it is, nevertheless, accounted actual. Here Christian Science departs from optimism. Mrs. Eddy writes: "What is the cardinal point of the difference in my metaphysical system? This: that by knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death, you demonstrate the allness of God. This difference wholly separates my system from all others." Unity of Good, pp. 9, 10; Knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death is far different from believing them to be secondary to health, holiness, and life.
