Article March 2, 1946 Issue

The Rights of Man

BESSIE MAY TEOREY

The world in general is becoming more and more aware of man's individual rights. Many political groups, whose philosophies of government widely differ, claim that they alone have the machinery that will assure the rights of minorities. Christian Scientists are extremely grateful for this newly awakened liberal consciousness, since it is a sign of humanity's progress toward the Christian goal of the brotherhood of man. They know, however, that there is a deeper meaning to man's rights which is untouched by human knowledge and planning.

This deeper meaning is discovered in the spiritual rights that man possesses as the son of God. These rights are truly inalienable, and are man's by rightful inheritance. Does not Paul, who spent his entire Christian life telling the wonderful story of man's freedom, affirm in Romans 8:17 that we are "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ"?

The writer witnessed the proof of this in an experience which illustrated the necessity of upholding the rights of her brother man, and thereby sustaining her own individual rights. Her automobile was badly damaged while parked in a public auto park. When the time came for a financial settlement to be made, a discussion arose between the owners of the auto park that made it seem as though she would not be paid for the damages, which were entirely their fault. While the discussion was in progress, she glanced down at a printed Christian Science lecture that she was holding, and these two phrases were illumined: "the rights of man" and "the kingdom of heaven."

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