Article June 28, 1941 Issue

Our Spiritual Independence

LILLIAN CURRY RIGG

"Like our nation, Christian Science has its Declaration of Independence." This arresting statement by Mary Baker Eddy is found on page 106 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The author then continues: "God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love." Here it is to be noted that "self-government" under the guidance and government of divine Truth and Love is essential to freedom and independence.

The "Declaration of Independence" in Christian Science, then, signifies spiritual freedom, as thought and action are conformed to Truth and Love. It may well mean rejoicing that through the Christ-idea we are gaining true liberation from bondage.

Christian Science reveals the truth of spiritual being, and instructs us how to gain true independence from the mesmeric suggestions of coercion, fear, and strife. It teaches the nothingness of the material so-called forces opposed to God, good, and reveals a universe filled with God's spiritual ideas. It clearly points out that the overcoming of error must be accomplished in the individual consciousness. Man, as God's image and likeness, reflects and expresses Love. True affection and understanding must replace the false concept of man as material, and capable of greed and hate, which leads to war. As this true concept of man and his relation to God is established in individual consciousness, the seeming power of wantonness and greed will be proportionately lessened. The Biblical command, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," adopted and lived, will ameliorate ill-feelings, dissolve hate, and thus promote both physical and moral healing throughout the world.

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