Editorial October 19, 1929 Issue

Safe Literature

Albert F. Gilmore

As the student of Christian Science advances in the investigation and practice of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, he is progressively impressed by the many safeguards thrown about him. Aware of the countless snares and pitfalls which the world of the so-called mortal mind sets for the unwary, she provides protection which, if the student would but faithfully heed, would defeat evil's every effort, nullify its every purpose to retard or prevent spiritual growth. Some of error's most subtle and persistent attacks, it seems, are made through false literature in the form of periodicals, pamphlets, and formal books. These often contain misstatements of fact regarding our Leader, and they also grossly misrepresent her teachings.

Since salvation is won only by acceptance of and adherence to Truth, our Leader well knew that nothing could be more harmful than to accept as true erroneous teachings regarding God and His creation, man and the universe. How stultifying, then, would it be to accept false theories regarding the most important questions which ever confront us, questions involving God and the divine nature, man's origin and destiny, his relation to God, reality, and eternal life. When the significance of the subject is apprehended, the tremendous importance of obedience to our Leader's admonitions stands out with startling clarity.

That unique compendium for right daily living, the Manual of The Mother Church, contains certain admonitions regarding the use of false literature which all may well ponder, and that frequently. On page 43, under the caption "No Incorrect Literature," she writes, "A member of this Church shall neither buy, sell, nor circulate Christian Science literature which is not correct in its statement of the divine Principle and rules and the demonstration of Christian Science." This prohibition against buying, selling, or circulating false literature obviously implies also that the reading of such literature is not helpful.

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