Article October 26, 1907 Issue

THE RELATION OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE TO HUMAN HISTORY

ANNIE M. PAYNE.

It has often been asked, If Christian Science is true why did its discovery come so late in human history? To this question three answers may be given. I. In relation to the whole of history we have no proof that it is late. It is not certainly known how long this race may continue to appear, 2. Although unrecognized as such, Christian Science has cast its halo over mankind for centuries. Wherever Love has been reflected in uplifting faith, true word, or right deed, there Christian Science has been manifested. From the day of the patriarch's faith to that of the thousand channels of Christian light and endeavor, the true man has striven with mortal vanity and sensuality, and demonstrated the possibility of a higher understanding in the future. 3. The most cogent reply, however, and the one with which we are here chiefly concerned. is this, that the world was not ready earlier for the full revelation of Christian Science.

Those who have read anything of the religious and social ideas of the world's most civilized nations before the advent of Jesus, may easily be disposed to admit that the ancient world at least was not ripe for the unfoldment of religion from a purely metaphysical basis. The apprehension of many gods, or semi-human consciousnesses, the tendency towards luxurious living, and the prevalent custom of slavery, were too universal and deep-seated for such a revolution in thought. Despite the refinements and elegant philosophies of the Greeks and Romans, their spiritual apprehensiveness was, as compared with that of the earnest and self-denying Christian, rough-hewn and coarse. This is why, to the Christian, the most interesting panorama of ancient history is that of the Bible, For, as is well set forth by Matthew Arnold, the difference between this and other histories lies chiefly in that greater stress upon conduct and the desire for righteousness which partly grew out of, partly was manifested in, the Hebraic apprehension of the one God. While the Greek gave us an education in art, and the Roman advanced our conception of civil law and order, it is to the Hebrew we are indebted for such an example in the struggle to be good, such a warning as regards the deviation from Truth's demands, that the Christian feels he can read no other history with equal profit.

Was not then the Hebrew race ready for Christian Science? By no means; the fine ideals of prophet and psalmist were so continually sunk in individual and national shortcomings, and later so hindered by a religious despotism unmatched in history for its puerilities, that when the Master appeared his solitary grasp of truth awoke no adequate response even from his sincerest students. A. wonderful change, it is true, ensued upon his final demonstration; but although the works which followed stood out conspicuously, the childishness of the age reappeared in succeeding generations of believers, until the brighter light was obscured, and the Christian churches became mediocre and worldly.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
A STONE
October 26, 1907
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit