Editorial June 30, 1928 Issue

Dominion not Domination

Albert F. Gilmore

That God gave man dominion over the lesser objects of His creation is a definite statement of Holy Scripture. That this dominion persists and is practical Christian Science asserts; for on page 307 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes, "The divine Mind is the Soul of man, and gives man dominion over all things." And she adds that since man is not created in or of matter, and not subject to the so-called material laws, "his province is in spiritual statutes, in the higher law of Mind." Thus in the realm of Mind, and there is no other realm, the compound idea, man, is divinely endowed with dominion over all lesser ideas. When it is learned that dominion is supreme authority, that is, sovereignty, we recognize the deep significance of the statement.

Mortals, it seems, in their effort to gain dominion strive to attain control over the earth and all it contains; over all the elements of nature, so called, over all the creatures which inhabit the earth, and alas! over one another as well. And this effort is put forth even though the dominion bestowed upon man by the creator does not include supremacy over other men—only over inferior creatures, the lesser ideas. Accordingly, when mortals mistakenly undertake to exercise dominion over others, that is, to assume control or direction of their activities contrary to their desire and welfare, they are exceeding their prerogatives; and dominion becomes domination. Between the two is a wide difference.

Mortals' love of distinction as to position and power is proverbial; and will-power and selfishness are manifested in the effort to gain the heart's desire. Out of this mental condition grows much of the strife and turbulence between nations, and individuals as well, which has so generally characterized human experience.

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Pleasing God
June 30, 1928
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