Editorial August 4, 1928 Issue

Christian Science not Asceticism

Albert F. Gilmore

That religion "pure ... and undefiled" does not of a necessity partake of asceticism, Christian Science is proving to the world. While no religious teaching lays more emphasis upon purity, and the necessity of turning away from the belief that pleasure inheres in the indulgence of the physical senses, so called, yet Christian Science does not lead to an asceticism which connotes mortification of the flesh, or to any unwarranted abstinence from enjoyment of what may be regarded as sinless pleasure. In making clear that Truth is won only through suffering or Science, on page 362 of "Miscellaneous Writings," Mrs. Eddy says: "And suffering has no reward, except when it is necessary to prevent sin or reform the sinner. And pleasure is no crime except when it strengthens the influence of bad inclinations or lessens the activities of virtue."

How wonderfully and, albeit, with what clarity does our Leader set forth the right course! How true does she hold the balance! Pleasure is not sinful when it does not strengthen bad habits or interfere with spiritual progress by lessening virtuous activities, those which have for their purpose only the manifestation of good. Surely, with this criterion before us, we shall be led neither into indulgence of false appetites and passions, nor to a forced abstinence from the joyous experiences of life which, because innocent in themselves, are no stumblingblock to the feet moving Spiritward along the pathway of right desire. How completely do Mrs. Eddy's words refute the notion that to be truly religious one needs must assume an air of solemnity, and soberly refrain from all innocent enjoyment! Yet no less definitely do they place a complete ban upon sinful indulgence, the pandering to a false desire, gratification of which confirms the belief that matter can confer pleasure and promote lasting joy.

An analysis of the causes which commonly make for solemnity and seriousness, which lead to melancholy and asceticism, reveals their foundation in a wrong concept of God and man, a misunderstanding of Life and its expression. What could more effectually lift the burden of weight which brings heaviness and sorrow to human hearts than the knowledge that because evil is not real fears are groundless; that man, as the son of God, as reflection, is now possessor of all of good that is permanent and precious; that because God is infinite and good and evil unreal, not flagellation of the poor body, but understanding of God and man, makes life pure and holy. Christian Science carries just this message; spiritual truth destroys the belief in evil through revealing that God is all and infinitely good. This understanding breaks the bands of limitation, of lack and sorrow, leading the obedient disciple into the joyous haven of Soul, where all is perfect and permanent. Whence, then, arises the reason for asceticism, for rigorous discipline of the body through mortification of the flesh? Surely Christ Jesus set no such example. While he lived in extreme simplicity, he partook of the things thought necessary to sustain him and with joy engaged in social intercourse with his friends. The "man of sorrows" was sorrowful not because the evil about him was real, God-bestowed, but rather because of the terrible tragedy involved in the monstrous fact that people thought it was. It is little wonder that the most merciful of men, the most compassionate as well as the most exalted, wept over Jerusalem when realizing the unspeakable joy at hand for all who would hear his message, yet still persisted in their sin and miseries.

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