Editorial March 7, 1925 Issue

On the Value of Obedience

Duncan Sinclair

NOWHERE is greater stress laid on the value of obedience than in Christian Science. Many a time Mrs. Eddy refers to it; but it would be difficult to find in her writings anything to surpass in clearness what she says regarding it on page 183 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." There she writes: "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power."

It is apparent from the words just quoted that in her reference to obedience our Leader takes for granted an understanding of God, divine Mind. Indeed, there could be no obedience to divine Mind without an understanding of it, because obedience can be given only to a recognized or known authority. This is true in whatever relation obedience be considered. In the state, for instance, civil law is recognized as authoritative; and as such it receives the obedience of every loyal citizen. With regard to moral conduct likewise, the Decalogue is acknowledged by Christians as authoritative; and they accordingly endeavor to give it their full allegiance.

Now God, the authority who "rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength," has been wonderfully defined by Christian Science. God has been revealed through this Science as the One altogether lovely, altogether perfect,—the adorable One; as infinite Mind, possessing all intelligence; as divine Love, blessing continually its own perfect creation; as Spirit, animating and sustaining all its spiritual ideas; as Life, never beginning and never ending,—eternal. And at the same time as Christian Science thus defines God, it also defines man, declaring him to be the perfect reflection of God. And defining God and man in this manner, it gives to all who perceive the truth of its revelation, authority on which to base a perfect obedience.

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