Article May 7, 1904 Issue

Christian Science and the Church

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

The real purpose of the church is not to establish and maintain certain dogmas and creeds, but to save mankind from sin. Religious beliefs are beneficial only in proportion as they affect the character of mankind, and one creed is superior to another only as it works out better results. The Scriptures do not declare, "He that believes most earnestly and sincerely in his creed shall inherit the future blissful estate," but "He that overcometh shall inherit all things."

Jesus introduced into the religious world, not only in his Sermon on the Mount but in his daily life, an example of the most exalted form of religious deportment. It has been named Christian because it embodies the Christ teaching and practice. In his actions the Master was governed by a spiritual intuition or knowledge which was superior to that of others of his day and of those who had preceded him. All due credit should be given to every institution on earth, whether it be called social, philanthropic, or religious, which elevates in any degree the human race; but it is evident that it is only as religionists arrive at the knowledge which Jesus understood and demonstrated, and deport themselves accordingly, they can become the greatest blessing to humanity.

When the understanding possessed by Jesus is perceived and enforced by the church, then the church is governed and controlled by the perfect religion.

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