Article November 13, 1926 Issue

Ethics of Church Government

JOHN L. RENDALL

A dictionary gives the following definition of "ethics": "The science of right conduct and character; the science which treats of the nature and grounds of moral obligation and of the rules which ought to determine conduct in accordance with this obligation; the doctrine of man's duty in respect to himself and the rights of others."

Accurate knowledge as to what constitutes the ethics of church government may well be considered a necessity, precedent to taking part in church affairs. A clear understanding of this subject is conducive to better conditions in the church; for it bears intimately upon the relationship existing between member and member, and between members and the church to which they belong. The question of the ethics of church government is primarily a question of individual right thinking; for the mental attitude of the members necessarily determines conditions in the church, which is the externalized manifestation of the thought of its membership.

An harmonious church is the outward indication of the qualities of thought which make for harmony. Contrariwise, a discordant church manifests those qualities of thought which disregard the ethics of church government, and which inevitably result disastrously. This question, therefore, resolves itself into the question of individual examination of thought, motive, and desire; and in proportion as this process takes place within the thought of the individual members, to the elimination of all that is objectionable, will the Church of Christ, Scientist, be found obedient to that form of government which alone is consistent with the high ideals established by our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.

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