Editorial February 13, 1904 Issue

False Christs

Near the close of Jesus ministry he took occasion to warn his followers against the false Christs which would come in his name, claiming identity with his teaching and work, and he said, "Take heed lest any man deceive you." This showed the high value which he placed upon his teaching, for only genuine things are counterfeited, and that which has no worth is not likely to be imitated.

Before the Christian era there were many theories about God which claimed to be true, but Christ Jesus characterized their effect upon humanity in these words: "O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee." The way of error with all its resultant misery is a long one, but mortals have ever sought escape from its penalties by a short cut. That there is a true way of escape from evil is certain, else would not Christ have said, "I am the way.... No man cometh unto the Father but by me." He offered guidance to all when he said, "Follow me," and our Leader has spoken of this way as "the passage from sense to Soul" (Science and Health, p. 566).

Paul speaks of Christ as "the image of the invisible God," from which we can but conclude that the image or reflection of divine Truth and Love is ever with us, otherwise we are not in "the way that leadeth unto life." We must all learn that we can reach the divine heights only by individual understanding, obedience, and experience. Inseparably connected with this lesson is another; namely, that the spiritual methods which lead to harmony are the reverse of those which spring from mortal belief, or which appeal to it.

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