Editorial May 26, 1923 Issue

The True Evangel

Albert F. Gilmore

Christians in general are agreed upon certain fundamentals. They agree, for example, that the mission of Jesus was to bring the good news of salvation to mankind. This message is the holy evangel upon which the Christian Church was founded. Later, to be sure, the term evangelical was applied to that group of Christian churches which agreed upon certain creedal beliefs; and, in consequence, the term by such application was greatly narrowed in its significance. Now it appears that only those who claim to hold certain doctrines are entitled to inclusion in the so-called evangelical group.

The derivation of the word "evangelical" is instructive and significant. It is composed of two Greek words meaning "good news" or "glad tidings." Accordingly, does it not seem that whatever communication carries the wondrous message of God's infinite goodness, of man's present perfection and of the consequent unreality of evil, constitutes by far the best news that could be told? Mrs. Eddy speaks definitely about this in "Retrospection and Introspection" (p. 65). "Christian Science," she declares, "is the pure evangelic truth. It accords with the trend and tenor of Christ's teaching and example, while it demonstrates the power of Christ as taught in the four Gospels."

While undoubtedly all Christian religions contain much of spiritual truth, it is demonstrable that Christian Science fulfills the teachings of Christ Jesus in a larger degree than any other Christian denomination; hence is more truly evangelical. It accepts undivided the garment of Christ, without restriction or limitation. "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils," "Preach the gospel to every creature;" that is, know the truth of being regarding all of God's creatures. All these duties, peremptorily set forth by Christ Jesus, Christian Science includes in true discipleship with him.

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