Article July 17, 1915 Issue

"I have sinned"

WILLIS F. GROSS

The parable of the prodigal son is so universal in its appeal that it has well been called the pearl of parables. It has been the basis of more sermons and written messages than any other of the Master's illustrations. It portrays mortal man's waywardness, teaches the unceasing, unchanging love of God, and makes clear what is required if we would regain the Father's house, the consciousness of infinite good. The student of Christian Science reads this story with great pleasure and profit, for he has learned to make a practical application of its wholesome teachings.

Christian Science requires "a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration" (Science and Health, p. 259). Man is created in the image and likeness of God, and since there is no evil in God there can be no evil in the divine likeness. God did not create evil, hence evil does not exist as a real entity, but only as a false belief. On this basis evil must be recognized and overcome. In Christian Science one's concept of evil, and his attitude thereto, is greatly changed, and unless he is thoroughly instructed in the fundamental teachings of this Science he cannot understand what disposition is to be made of the mortal belief in the reality and power of evil. This may account for the many erroneous conclusions as to how much or how little attention should be given to the consideration of evil.

In Christian Science the term error is applied to all evil. Error means that which is not true. When it is understood that evil is not true, it becomes evident that the consciousness of what is true, what is real in an absolute sense, will effectually destroy the belief in evil. The right concept of good reveals possibilities hitherto unrecognized and enables one to deal with evil in an intelligent manner. An erroneous belief can never become anything more than a belief, whether is is manifest as sickness or sin. To ignore a belief may be to indulge it, and to indulge it is to prolong its seeming existence. All men must grapple with and overcome the multifarious beliefs of evil. They must see clearly what is required of them and their work must be faithfully done.

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