Editorial February 21, 1931 Issue

Basis for Friendly Interest

Clifford P. Smith

Christian Scientists share with other religionists the desire to do all that can be done in a spiritual way for the immediate and ultimate benefit of mankind. Of course, we are distinct from our neighbors in certain respects. Especially, we emphasize the immediate effects of becoming spiritual in thought, and we maintain no limit to the application of spiritual power. We also develop these possibilities in a scientific or systematic way. For other religionists to know of these points would furnish a basis for friendly interest; it would advance peace and good will.

Necessarily, our concept of the points just stated must result from the Christian Science view of God and man. In fact, it results also from the teachings of this religion with regard to Jesus and spiritual law. Since such subjects as these cannot be discussed at length in a short editorial, the best choice for the present writing is a contributory topic, such as man's God-given dominion.

According to the first document in Genesis (Chapter 1 and part of Chapter 2), the law of man's creation and being includes the provision, "Let them have dominion"—dominion "over all the earth." This is one of the natural rights of man; it is one which exists now in all its fullness, as an idea to be apprehended and realized, even though most men appear to manifest less dominion than subjection. Man's rightful dominion over all earthly or material conditions has been demonstrated in different degrees by many men. For instance, Moses furnished an example in this regard which does not cease to inspire confidence. In largest measure, however, dominion has been proved for us by the one of whom Paul spoke as "the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5).

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