Article May 25, 1918 Issue

The Higher Patriotism

BESSIE TURNER ALLEN

Christian Science, which gives mankind the glorious perception of God as the Father-Mother, inculcates in all its adherents a sense of patriotism far beyond that of their preconceived ideas of this sentiment, and their patriotism thus becomes the manifestation of a spiritual quality of thought, instead of human sentimentality. The very word patriot (derived from the Greek patriotes,—established by forefathers, and this from pater, a father) has a deep metaphysical significance for a Christian Scientist which it cannot have for one who is not versed in spiritual law. Our nativity may seem to belong to one country or another, but our real nativity is in that "better country" of which we read in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, wherein is the "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

The metaphysical sense of patriotism not only inspires in a Christian Scientist a deep desire to promote the welfare of his country, but it gives him a fundamental truth upon which is based his purpose to do good not only to his native country but to every nation of the world, thus aiding in establishing the true brotherhood of man. In place of the human sense of patriotism, the Christian Scientist knows there is the eternal truth of man's inseparable relationship with God, the Father-Mother, and that his real abiding place is in the kingdom of heaven, defined on page 587 of Science and Health as "harmony; the reign of Spirit; government by divine Principle; spirituality; bliss; the atmosphere of Soul." The demonstration of this truth by the Christian Scientist, here and now, would express a high sense of patriotism. This is evident from the manner in which Christian Scientists have rallied to the flag in the present mental and moral conflict, bearing arms, giving their moral support to our chief executive and others in authority, and aiding substantially with their material means our Army and Navy.

It is well, having taken our stand as loyal Christian Scientists and patriotic citizens, to be alert to the mesmeric influences which would if unresisted drag us down from our high estate. It is imperative that we keep our thought anchored safely in the spiritual realm in these seemingly troublous days, that we may not be swept from our foundations by the aggressive suggestions of error. We should guard against drifting away on a wave of emotionalism from the spiritual realization of the truth about world conditions, thereby making a reality of that which we must see from the standpoint of absolute Truth, else our thought instead of healing the hatred of the world will but add fuel to the flame.

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