Editorial September 12, 1925 Issue

"Heredity is not a law"

Duncan Sinclair

The belief in heredity has held mankind in bondage probably since ever the human race began to reason about its problems; and to-day it is very widespread. That it was a factor in the thinking of the Hebrews before Jeremiah's time is proved by the fact that the prophet reversed it, saying, "In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge." But, possibly, the belief that heredity is a law was never more strongly held than at the present time; and this chiefly because it has received the support—and that in no indefinite manner—of modern biological science.

Christian Science, the discovery of Mary Baker Eddy, is striking with all the power of divine logic at the belief that heredity is a law. On page 178 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes: "Heredity is not a law. The remote cause or belief of disease is not dangerous because of its priority and the connection of past mortal thoughts with present. The predisposing cause and the exciting cause are mental." Thus a tremendous blow is being dealt at what undoubtedly is responsible not only for a great deal of suffering, but also for the continuance of that suffering.

Now when Christian Science denies the so-called law of heredity, it is absolutely logical. Christian Science begins by affirming that God is the origin, cause, or Father of man. It maintains that God, the Father, is perfect, and that man, His son, is likewise perfect, and is governed by God's law, perfect spiritual law. Let mortals believe as they may, Christian Science thus makes clear the fact that the only law to which man—the real or spiritual man—is subject is God's perfect spiritual law.

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