Article May 19, 1923 Issue

False Beliefs and Opinions Overcome

SYDNEY KING RUSSELL

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 403), we read, "Mortal mind is constantly producing on mortal body the results of false opinions." Again, we are told (p. 341), "In Christian Science mere opinion is valueless." Herein lies a lesson which Christian Science offers to a world torn by the conflict of varying beliefs. It is a difficult lesson for so-called mortal mind, which has built upon the shifting sand of theory rather than upon the bedrock of Truth; for it is fond of its opinions, whether they be the short-lived fads and fancies of the hour, or those more grounded opinions which have clung to mankind through centuries. Mortal mind does not wish to discard them without a struggle. Yet these theories, day by day and year by year, are constantly being proved false; and men are having to turn from them and seek another basis for their faith. Truth cannot be visible through the maze of human theories. Yet it has to be remembered that nearly two thousand years ago the Way-shower, Christ Jesus, left his redemptive message for mankind, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

To the watching eye, the world to-day exhibits a state of conflict the basis of which is mental, whose friction is the outcome of the many cherished material beliefs fighting for supremacy. Human will has not yet learned to say with understanding, "Thy will be done." Still humanity yearns and prays for harmony as the consummation of its hope and effort. Whether in church, or state, or home, the same unfailing law governs the achievement of this state of harmony. What this law is, the world as a whole has failed to discover. Religion's reason for existence has been the necessity for such a discovery; yet have creed and dogma quickened to any great extent the sense of the people in the vitality of the First Commandment? If so, Mrs. Eddy would not have had occasion to write in this connection (Science and Health, p. 280), "But behold the zeal of belief to establish the opposite error of many minds."

Christian Science is here to show us how to meet this conflict and come out victorious. No special dispensation is necessary; nor is the way limited to a selected few. Obedience to Truth, and the consequent letting go of all that is unlike God, good, will make the way clear to every sincere pilgrim. Constant denial of sense-testimony with the truth of being, and refusal to be drawn aside from the true way into the maze of false beliefs and opinions, will work wonders for Christendom. Church and home will be purified thereby; nations will be reconciled and find lasting peace. But in order to encompass the nation, demonstration must begin with the individual. "Now is the accepted time."

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