Editorial September 23, 1939 Issue

The Characteristics of a Christian

Duncan Sinclair

No one who studies Christian Science conscientiously need be in any doubt as to what are the characteristics of a Christian. As understood in Christian Science, a Christian is a follower of Christ Jesus, one who is instructed in the letter and the spirit of his teachings, and is actively engaged in putting these teachings into practice.

Christian Science throws great light on the Master's words and works recorded in the Gospels of the New Testament, elucidating the Science which inspired and sustained them. Hence, if one would learn what Christianity is, and how to practice it, he has but to study Christian Science without bias, and in humility, even as its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, has stated it in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and her other writings.

There are many passages in the New Testament which clarify the question. Thus, in John's Gospel (13:35) are the words of Christ Jesus, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another;" and in the first epistle of John (4:16, 21) occurs the saying of the beloved apostle, "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. ... And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." Further, in the Gospel of Luke (6:31) is given, in the Master's words, what is called the Golden Rule, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." All of these passages of Scripture are in the same strain: love is their theme—love to God, and love to men.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

"The symbol of Life and Love"