Christian Science Perspective audio edition

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A letter arrived at my church, inviting volunteers to participate in a restorative justice program. This marked the beginning of more than ten years of volunteer work on restorative justice in my community – first as a facilitator and later as a case manager – where I witnessed genuine growth in those involved. Seeing firsthand so much remorse, courage, and willingness to be accountable prompted deep prayer on my part to better understand true justice.

The concept of justice as restorative rather than punitive resonated with me as a parent and as a practicing Christian Scientist. In essence, restorative justice uncovers and corrects errors and reveals what is inherently spiritual and good in humanity. The Bible says that “mercy and truth are met together” (Psalms 85:10), and understanding the coincidence of these qualities, we see that, while wrongdoing must be corrected, at the same time, there is also the possibility of redemption. Underlying this is the spiritual fact that no one is irredeemable. This gets to a foundational point in Christian Science: that the Christ, as the activity of God, reveals the real man.

We see this in many examples that Jesus gave humankind. He refuted the model of an “eye for an eye” and taught instead, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:38, 44). Vengeance perpetuates harm; spiritual love not only interrupts destructive patterns of thought and action but awakens consciousness to the reality of good, of divine Love, and the unreality of its opposite.

The Apostle Paul, who underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in the Bible, wrote to early Christians in Rome, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath. ... If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21, New King James Version). This was in line with Jesus’ teachings and actions in disarming vengeance against the accused while still requiring moral reform. He separated the individual from the sin and awakened conscience in both accused and accusers.

Understanding God as Love and reflecting God’s unwavering goodness reveals mercy and truth as divine in origin. We each express these qualities as God’s reflection. They are inherent in our real, spiritual identity. Christian Science teaches, “The attributes of God are justice, mercy, wisdom, goodness, and so on” (Mary Baker Eddy, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” p. 465).

As a divine quality, mercy calls forth regeneration in individuals and communities, while justice demands transformation of consciousness. Wrongdoing is a distortion of man’s true nature, a false belief being acted out. Wisdom reverses any narrative suggesting that man is inherently evil or irredeemable and reveals instead everyone’s true identity as wholly spiritual and divinely loved. Therefore, all are capable of reform.

This conviction – that no one is irredeemable – may feel challenging in light of world events. Yet, from a Christian Science standpoint, it is understood that divine justice uncovers and corrects error and restores harmony by repairing and healing harm done. It brings out in individuals their foundational spiritual identity – untouched by sin or harm – and shines a light on this reality for all in the community.

In my prayers during cases I facilitated, I vividly felt the presence of Christ, the divine influence for good, transforming evidence of harm into healing. One case was with an individual who had imposed an extensive threat upon a large sector of the local community. During the moments of honest dialogue and accountability, every person present was visibly moved. Shifts in thought occurred on every side. Not only was the harm repaired, but the individuals involved expressed a profound change in how they saw one another and in fear being overcome.

When the Christ touches human consciousness, it may at first feel grueling, as tightly held erroneous beliefs break apart. But this disruption serves only to enable the reach of divine Love to expand. It is not passive idealism to trust in a divine solution; it is moral courage.

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As individuals bravely step forward to work for true justice, Christ, Truth, is at work to correct and heal. Divine law works to reveal the ever-present harmony that is a spiritual fact. As we commit to Christianly scientific practice, we see more of our own spiritual nature and that of everyone as the reality that cannot be hidden. This, then, not only transforms us and those we pray for but has healing effects for communities and nations.

Adapted from an editorial published in the May 4, 2026, issue of the Christian Science Sentinel.

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