Editorial November 4, 1950 Issue

"MAN HAS A NOBLE DESTINY"

Richard J. Davis

The progress of the race, both individually and collectively, becomes evident only as mankind throws off the mental shackles of false theology and superstition. Any teaching or system that inspires or inculcates a fear of God or a belief in evil is clearly incorrect, because it would imply either that evil proceeds directly from God or that there are two or more opposing powers. On this point Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 380), "Nothing is more disheartening than to believe that there is a power opposite to God, or good, and that God endows this opposing power with strength to be used against Himself, against Life, health, harmony."

Anciently the priests of paganism controlled their people by playing upon their fears and their belief in the reality of evil. One of the most deeply rooted beliefs in human thought is that of astrology— a belief that the heavenly bodies govern or are related to the destiny of man. This belief is older than history itself and has existed in the consciousness of many people down through the ages. While we as individuals may seem to be removed from actual contact with such belief, it has been said that many more human beings today order their thinking according to astrological teaching than those who do not. It is perhaps one of the most fundamental erroneous concepts, because it is based in the belief of human birth and material creation.

Today we still find this active form of ancient superstition and idolatry, the heritage of the Chaldeans, in our modern civilization. The fact that many of the large newspapers carry daily syndicated articles dealing with astrology indicates that many thousands are holding to these practices and believe that they can work out their destiny through or by the stars. They are accepting or yielding to the age-old belief that they and all people are influenced or governed by the movement of the planets.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

THERE SHALL BE TIME NO LONGER