Editorial May 15, 1926 Issue

Christian Scientists and Prohibition'

Albert F. Gilmore

Prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating beverages, as provided for by the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and the Volstead Act applying the provisions of that Amendment, has attracted almost universal attention in the United States during recent weeks. Pronouncements for and against prohibition, for strict enforcement of the law and for the lessening of its rigors, have been forthcoming from many individuals and groups, until public opinion has been given thorough ventilation. There is wide divergence of opinion regarding the justice of the law, as well as regarding the possibility of its enforcement. Were one to believe the statements of the opposition, it might appear that the attempt to establish prohibition has been a flat failure. On the other hand, there has been presented a mass of evidence, for the most part well authenticated, showing definite and important advantages to the people, even from the partial enforcement of the law which thus far has been effected.

An important cross section of public opinion on this subject will be found in the "Signs of the Times" columns of this issue of the Christian Science Sentinel, including evidence so important as to command the attention of every one interested in law enforcement.

Christian Scientists, as militant Christians, have an important part to play in this great moral movement. As followers of Christ Jesus are we not in duty bound to assist a weak and erring brother who may be beset by a false appetite which, if indulged, leads to disgrace and ruin? The Scriptural teaching regarding this obligation is definite. The great Apostle to the Gentiles was in no doubt as to his duty to help the weak. "Wherefore," he declared, "if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend." Paul was clear as to his obligation and firm in the right when he had determined what his Christianly duty was. Should not we, likewise, as servants of the Most High, enlisted to lessen evil in its various manifestations, gladly abstain from whatever indulgence might give ever so little impetus to another's downward course? Surely there can be no doubt as to our moral obligation. As a great moral issue, prohibition commands the attention of Christians everywhere, and Christian Scientists are not lax in their desire to promote so good a cause.

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