Article March 27, 1943 Issue

Opinion or Principle?

MARSHALL STIMSON

The remark is often made by persons dealing with questions which concern the determination of human policies, "I am standing for Principle." The writer's experience in connection with Christian Science activities has convinced him that inharmony occasionally arises because of the failure of those concerned to realize the important distinction between human opinion and Principle. Mary Baker Eddy in her writings uses the word "Principle" as a purely metaphysical term. She names Principle as a synonym for God.

The question of interpretation to be given to branch church bylaws, Robert's Rules of Order, and to statutory laws sometimes results in differences between Christian Science workers because these rules of human conduct are accorded too much importance. Branch church by-laws are intended to promote orderly transaction of church affairs but are not infallible, as is evidenced by the fact that an orderly procedure is usually provided for revising them.

The Manual of The Mother Church is, however, very different. It is the result of Mrs. Eddy's God-inspired thinking. Its By-Laws are regarded as binding on all Christian Scientists. When one stands for obedience to the Manual requirements, he is truly standing for Principle in its orderly application to our church affairs.

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