Editorial July 1, 1916 Issue

Enlarged Patriotism

Annie M. Knott

It should not seem surprising if out of the present world struggle there comes an enlarged sense of patriotism, an ideal vast enough to include all men and nations in the purpose to establish righteousness with its attendant harmony the world over. All reforms must of course begin with the individual, but if they are genuine they will quickly extend, just as the radiation of light dispels darkness.

When the master Christian first sent out his disciples to preach the gospel and heal the sick, he bade them confine their ministrations to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," and this not because his sympathies were not large enough to embrace all humanity, but doubtless because his followers had not yet risen above the narrowing tendencies, political and religious, which inhere in the belief in one's own country. This was much in evidence when, in answer to the sorrowful appeal of the Syrophenician woman, they said to Jesus, "Send her away." It even seemed for a moment as if he too was touched by racial feeling, but in quick response to the faith that would not be denied, came the reflection of the Love that knows not race nor clime, and after Jesus' resurrection his command to his followers was, "Go ye . . . and teach all nations."

Christian Scientists all desire to be obedient to the divine will, and it is simply astonishing to see how Mrs. Eddy's teachings sweep aside the artificial distinctions set up by mortal mind, even while showing us that in order to obey we must first understand God, then ourselves and others. On page 340 of Science and Health we are told that "one infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man ; ends wars." Christian Science does not teach that indifference to the welfare of one's own country is a virtue. On the contrary it makes a demand for the most exalted patriotism, springing from the recognition of divine law as binding upon all men and unceasingly operative.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Suppression Is Not Cure