Editorial July 24, 1915 Issue

Science and Salvation

John B. Willis

The prominence which Mrs. Eddy has given to science as the form under which demonstrable faith must present itself, has awakened interest not only because of the newness of the idea, but because science as a whole is dissociated from faith in theological literature. Until recently the word has connoted that which, if not opposed to religious teaching, certainly is not essential to it, and that this sense still sways human thought is not infrequently made distinctly apparent to those who honor Mrs. Eddy's teaching. When therefore one comes to think of its relation to prevailing thought in this regard, he finds another sufficient reason why with peculiar pertinence Mrs. Eddy adopted the name Christian Science, and he will be the more deeply impressed with the revolutionary character of the proposition that science and salvation are indissolubly wedded.

In seeking to bring this fact into every-day demonstration, the Christian Scientist is really identifying himself with human progress by conforming to its most elemental basis and requirement. The blight which must ever attend the effort to maintain a faith which is not shaped by science, is illustrated so abundantly in religious history that it would be difficult to read a single chapter without coming upon contradictions in the human conduct of even those who have been enrolled among the most noble and heroic.

He who has gained a demonstrable knowledge of a universal law is always freed from the pettiness of dogmatism. He is positive respecting propositions which he can prove, but modestly reserved respecting that which lies beyond this possibility. He may be sure in his own mind of the truth of a given theory, but until he is able to prove his concept true, he is neither condemnatory nor disrespectful toward those who cannot agree with him, but willing to grant them the freedom of opinion and of action which he demands for himself.

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
Among the Churches
July 24, 1915
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit