It is a significant and interesting fact to observe, in connection...

Extracts from an address given by Bernard C. Duncan, before the Christian Science Organization at the George Washington University,—Washington, District of Columbia, November 11, 1934

It is a significant and interesting fact to observe, in connection with Christian Science Organizations at universities and colleges, that what we might term the first public experience or appearance of our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, occurred early in his career when, at the age of twelve, he remained in the temple conversing with the educated men of his day. According to Luke, he was found "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." Jesus' spiritual ideas and expression were more than intellectual knowledge and human experience, much beyond the learning of the period. His education was superior in every respect, for it was founded upon divine Truth.

Let us note the attitude toward schooling expressed by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy. On page 195 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes, "Academics of the right sort are requisite." In the same paragraph she defines the goal of education by saying, "Observation, invention, study, and original thought are expansive and should promote the growth of mortal mind out of itself, out of all that is mortal." Thus the highest aim should be that of spiritual growth. We might term this the truly "higher education."

The commonly accepted purpose of secular education is threefold: development of character; impartation of culture; and training for citizenship, to enable every person to find and occupy his place in the community, to be happy in it, and to perform his share of society's work.

We who have investigated Christian Science are learning that its teaching is basic in true education because it treats of reality. Any sincere student of it can prove this to his own satisfaction. We have found it a basis for genuine progress because it teaches us of the ever-operative law of God, which is practical. Christian Science is scientific, therefore basic in education, because it is logical and demonstrable. This is true because Jesus' teachings form demonstrable propositions, the divine Principle of which is God, Truth. It is fundamental also because it uses and interprets the great source book of mankind, the Bible.

True development along the lines of character, culture, and citizenship is to be derived primarily from development of spiritual qualities of thought. If one keeps one's understanding of God clear, one manifests intelligence, wisdom, progress, strength, discernment, understanding.

Christian Science helps in wisely selecting courses which will adequately fill one's human need, courses which provide "academics of the right sort." It enables one to recognize genuine culture. Matthew Arnold defined "culture" as "knowledge of the best that has been thought and said in the world." We might also include knowledge of the best that has been done in the world. In this connection let us remember that the daily newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, is invaluable in extending one's culture, during and after one's academic schooling.

Our Leader provided in our Church Manual, in Article XXIII, Section 8, the "Privilege of Members," which enables Christian Science to have its place in universities and colleges where there are members of The Mother Church to represent it, and where the rules of their Alma Mater permit.

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Overcoming Superstition

April 27, 1935

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