A movement has swept the United States over the last 15-20 years banning the smoking of cigarettes in public places.

Last night I remembered what it was like to fly on airplanes in the days when passengers could puff away on the obnoxious things and inflict their bad habit on helpless victims sitting at their side. At dinnertime, my family was rejoicing over the progress our society has made in protecting citizens from the harmful acts of others in public places where all people need to congregate healthily together and not fear each other’s actions.

Like a lightbulb turning on, it occurred to us that in the same way communities have realized the harm done by cigarette smoke, they’ll also realize the harm done by hate, anger and malice. “Won’t there come a point when these types of evil thinking will be banned from public environments too?” We wondered.

Wouldn’t that be cool!? Sighting signs at the front door of businesses that declare, “No angry thoughts allowed inside.”

I think it’s going to happen someday.

As Christian Science leavens human consciousness around the world helping citizens realize that we live in a world of thought and every thought matters, people are going to become more conscious about what they think and what others think around them. Just like neighbors are realizing the deadly effects of air-borne nicotine, they will eventually realize the baneful effects of mind-borne anger and hate. There will come a point when people striving to live healthy happy lives will not tolerate evil attitudes in public venues anymore. Evil intent will be banned from the marketplace of thought.

Evil thoughts are not a threat to our well being when we properly defend our mental precincts with the spiritual truth that God, good reigns, and there is no evil power. As Mary Baker Eddy wrote,

“Evil thoughts and aims reach no farther and do no more harm than one’s belief permits.” Science and Health

But the proper defense must be mounted and maintained.

As she continued to write,

“Evil thoughts, lusts, and malicious purposes cannot go forth, like wandering pollen, from one human mind to another, finding unsuspected lodgment, if virtue and truth build a strong defence.”

I think it’s time to start building that “strong defence” on behalf of the public good! No more anger and hate in the public square.

Our schools for young children could certainly benefit.

What do you think?