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A group of people, if asked to formulate a definition...
The Christian Science Monitor
["Religion versus Ceremonialism"—The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, U.S.A., August 16, 1920]
A group of people, if asked to formulate a definition of religion, would probably offer many and diversified replies, conforming to the practical or theoretical aspect of religion involved in their experience. Christian Science, explaining religion on the basis of absolute metaphysics, wholly eliminates the ceremonial and superstitious beliefs usually included in such a definition; for notwithstanding the scholar's claim for the inseparability of religion and magic, Christian Science establishes an interpretation of religion with which superstition and ceremonialism could have no possible relation. All superstition is ignorance, and ignorance could never form an intelligent concept of religion.
Cicero's definition from relegere, to revere the gods, reflects the general viewpoint of antiquity when it was thought necessary to propitiate the so-called gods in order to secure their favor. Although Cicero's etymology is conceded by most scholars to be correct, the theology of the Middle Ages and modern times has found expression in the Augustinian development of the definition offered by Lactantius from religare, to bind together. Early beliefs were concerned only with the practical aspect of religion, while the later concept comprises eschatology as well.
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October 2, 1920 issue
View Issue-
Reconstruction
EDWARD NASH
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"Written in heaven"
EDITH MANN RAPELYE
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Living in the Sanctuary
JAMES C. THOMAS
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On Subscribing
ANITA REED
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Gratitude
EVA F. HOVEY
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The First Testimony Meetings
CHARLES G. BALDWIN
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Hiddekel
KATHERINE R. FRANCKE
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There are periodicals published by learned societies,...
William Lyon Phelps, Professor of English at Yale University,
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Lilies and Deeds
ELOISE INGALLS COOPER
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Right or Wrong
Frederick Dixon
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The Omnipresence of Advertising
Gustavus S. Paine
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Admission to Membership in The Mother Church
Charles E. Jarvis
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The Lectures
with contributions from Elting Alexander
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So much good has come to me since beginning the study...
Mary A. V. Shaw
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I wish to express my gratitude for what Christian Science...
Effie V. Kurtz
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When I first took up the study of Christian Science, I...
Claudia C. Thomas
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In loving gratitude I submit this testimony, hoping that...
Charles E. Lehmann
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As I have always found the testimonies in the Journal...
R. E. Blanch with contributions from Mabel Blanch
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Fourteen years ago I was almost a physical wreck
Minnie M. Gates
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Words seem so inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude...
Virginia R. Apsey
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I am truly grateful for what Christian Science has done...
Harry Keaffaber
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Of the efficacy of Christian Science I have had many...
Lilian M. Allen
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Signs of the Times
with contributions from Charles R. Brown, Ozora S. Davis