Editorial March 27, 1926 Issue

The Ethics of Christian Science

Ella W. Hoag

The general meaning of ethics may be said to be the habit of action sanctioned by society as morally correct. The ethics of Christian Science would then be—speaking freely—that habitual activity which is in accordance with the fundamentals and rules laid down for right action among its adherents. Now our Leader has much to say of these ethics, and a study of her writings on the subject could not fail to be of advantage to any student. That her teachings in this direction must be practiced if they are to be proved of value to the individual is a foregone conclusion.

In Mrs. Eddy's dedication of her book "Miscellaneous Writings" she says, "To loyal Christian Scientists in this and every land I lovingly dedicate these practical teachings indispensable to the culture and achievements which constitute the success of a student and demonstrate the ethics of Christian Science."

When students begin the study of Christian Science, they sometimes become so enamored with the freedom they believe it teaches that unless they are on guard against running to extremes they find themselves tending almost to lawlessness; for the so-called human mind, desiring always what it calls liberty, is quick to welcome anything which it believes may be interpreted as tending to throw off restraint. The student of Christian Science must therefore watch diligently that the freedom he is to gain through Christian Science is always safeguarded by its ethics. He must take care that his actions are ever true to what is in accordance with the rules Christian Science lays down for right action among individuals, if his culture and achievements are to bring the success which belongs to him as he demonstrates its ethics properly.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The Ethics of Christian Science

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access