Article January 2, 1937 Issue

Helping International Conditions

F. HAROLD RICHARDS

When we look around the world today there is a great temptation to feel discouraged and confused by national and international conditions. Intolerance and tyranny seem to be firmly seated in many countries. Certain nations appear to be using force against their neighbors, after pledging themselves to renounce such methods; whilst good will and co-operation, justice and loving-kindness—the very elements of Christianity—which are not uncommon between individuals, are difficult to find when nations deal with one another. No one in the modern world should remain indifferent to these conditions, for they claim to affect all business, the general standard of living, happiness, and in some cases freedom and life itself. What can the Christian Scientist do about this? Can he do anything effective?

Christ Jesus was in no doubt on the point. He accurately described the conditions of today, and pointed out the remedy and course of action for all those who wished to follow his teaching. The twenty-first chapter of Luke gives a graphic account of the turmoil in the world before the kingdom of God is established among men. In the middle of this description occur the words "upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity" and "men's hearts failing them for fear." Is not this a good analysis of much of the news of the present time? Later, in the same chapter, the Way-shower points out the remedy. He says, "Look up, and lift up your heads," which may be interpreted, Look up and lift your thoughts above material evidences to the attributes of divine Mind, which are ever present. By looking up and realizing the presence of divine law and order, justice, tolerance, and good will, we help to bring these into human experience.

Mrs. Eddy, who was an inspired seer and a practical idealist, foresaw the stubborn resistance of the human so-called mind to spiritual and progressive ideas. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 97) she writes: "Those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection." Those who discern Christian Science have the special duty of realizing that spiritual understanding will hold crime in check; that man governed by God will maintain law and order, and that confidence in God's power will enable one cheerfully to await the full appearing of perfection.

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