Article December 12, 1942 Issue

From the world conflict in which...

James Harry McReynolds,—Edinburg

Valley Review,

From the world conflict in which we are engaged is coming an increasing appreciation of moral and spiritual values. Mankind is learning that "the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." The confusion, dissension, indecision, strife, and bitterness which find their way into human consciousness, thereby dominating the thought and actions of individuals and nations, are things that cannot be eliminated by bullets alone, but have to be overcome and defeated by spiritual might and spiritual strength. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

We are being forced to accept new standards of values. The frailties of the human mind are gradually but surely being supplanted by courage, ardor, endurance, divine energy, and strength, all of which come from God. A supreme love for God brings progress. This progress is obtained through the sacrifice of material things and the acceptance of the true, the real, the good, and the eternal qualities of Spirit. It might be said that Jesus' whole ministry was based on sacrifice. His consummate humility gave him spiritual strength and endowed him with power and ability otherwise unattainable. Through his steadfast faith in and unshakable love for God, his Father, he was able to point the way of salvation for all peoples and a sure way to victory over aggression, domination, oppression, and human slavery.

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, in her book entitled, "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany," writes thus of ultimate victory over tyranny and domination (p. 191): "Persecution is the weakness of tyrants engendered by their fear, and love will cast it out;" and in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she writes (p. 340), "One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself;' annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,—whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes."