Article October 27, 1928 Issue

Obligation and Responsibility

JOHN J. FLINN

Christian Scientists should ever be mindful of the important fact that the world as a rule bases its estimate of the faith they profess upon the manner in which it is presented and lived by themselves. The average observer regards the individual as a fair representative of the class with which he is aligned, and in which he is received. In a questioning, critical, cynical age, therefore, one who assumes the responsibility of identifying himself with Christian Science should be scrupulously careful to endeavor to live up to its requirements.

Outside of Christian Science one may do many things which the world will be indisposed or slow to notice or to condemn, simply because one's personal conduct is a matter of indifference or unconcern to it; but in Christian Science, by reason of its generally recognized doctrines and standards, a professed adherent forgetful or disregardful of its rules and ethics invites comment, possibly derision.

Christian Science demands nothing unreasonable, nothing impossible of its followers; nothing of performance beyond the understanding of the individual; nothing that is incompatible with the Ten Commandments or with the teachings of Christ Jesus; nothing at variance with common sense. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 4): "To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.'" And, again (ibid., p. 9): "If unwilling to follow his example, why pray with the lips that you may be partakers of his nature? Consistent prayer is the desire to do right."