Editorial September 15, 1923 Issue

On Being Broad-minded

Albert F. Gilmore

A phase of thought common among men is the desire to be regarded as broad-minded. For one to be considered narrow and bigoted is held to be most unfortunate; and, in consequence, men hesitate to take positions and hold opinions where their views, thus clearly defined, are in opposition to the general belief. Fear of criticism, of condemnation, and of ridicule has kept many from openly espousing and actively promoting causes in which, perhaps, their whole heart was enlisted.

Sometimes this condition formerly prevailed among Christian Scientists, especially among the newcomers to Truth, and in lesser degree still continues. Fear of the disapproval and condemnation of friends and acquaintances and the desire to avoid being characterized as narrow in one's views and set in one's opinions caused him, as it were, to hide his light under a bushel, lest its effulgent rays should attract undue attention. But as one's understanding grows into realization of what Christian Science really stands for and of the true import of the marvelous message Mrs. Eddy gave to the world, timidity, shyness, and fear disappear. The disciples of Truth take their places in the ranks of militant Christians, whose steadfast purpose is to restore primitive Christianity in all its original power, and to prove by actual demonstration that it is the great redeeming agency for mankind. Christian Science has this advantage over every other modern form of religion and worship: it exhibits as its results the very same works accomplished by the Nazarene himself; and in such measure as to preclude the slightest doubt as to its origin and spiritual quality.

Moreover, it is learned that breadth of thought is not really a characteristic of so-called mortal or human mind. This mind of itself, encompassed by and limited to the seeming realm of materiality, can by no possibility venture out of itself into the atmosphere of divine Mind, for thereby it would lose its claim to identity. "Matter and mortal mind are one," Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Unity of Good" (p. 35), and matter is but that supposititious mind's subjective state; hence, does it not of a necessity follow that mortal mind can by no possibility escape from the limitations which it has set for itself? Having none of the qualities of infinite Mind, it has no concept of the limitless qualities of divine Mind. By its very nature this so-called mind is restricted; its foundation, in belief, bespeaks a circumscribed and temporal state.

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