Editorial May 20, 1950 Issue

VICTORY, NOT CONSOLATION FOR DEFEAT

George Channing

True religion is a guide to victory, not a consolation for defeat. This is not to say that there is no consolation for that state of mind which believes itself aware of defeat; but consolation is not completely achieved until defeat is proved to be illusion. In this proof the seeming evidence of defeat is wiped out by the presence of the evidence of victory. Consequently, the modus operandi of true religion is not in the soothing of disappointment and frustration until they are accepted gracefully and with resignation. Rather is it in the rejection of disappointment and frustration through employment of the mighty power of divine Mind to know itself unopposed and triumphant.

Such is the happy teaching of Christian Science, which is the Comforter promised by Christ Jesus and discovered in this age by Mary Baker Eddy. In her recognition of the unwearied and undefeated status of man which this Comforter makes evident, Mrs. Eddy was fully aware of the Master's invitation to those in need of succor and sympathy expressed in these words (Matt. 11:28): "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." But she was also aware of his immediate admonition in the next verse of the same chapter in the Bible, covering the method by which this rest is to be achieved. "Take my yoke upon you," he said, "and learn of me." It is in learning of the Christ, in becoming acquainted with Truth, which identifies man as the son of God, that religion performs its function of guiding every individual to victory and dominion over all that would obstruct his complete freedom of action and existence in God, good.

Mrs. Eddy has definitely stated the rule of consolation in terms which can never be interpreted as countenancing resignation to defeat and acceptance of the belief that religion can be employed to sweeten such resignation. For instance, in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 283) she writes, "Consolation and peace are based on the enlightened sense of God's government." When it is realized that "the enlightened sense of God's government" is continuous and excludes any sense of evil as exercising the prerogatives of government, the impossibility of defeat for man becomes apparent. Indeed, the inevitability of uninterrupted victory for every individual over any claim of imperfection is thereby recognized, and the evidence, or manifestation, of complete and decisive victory appears.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
CONCERNING INFLUENCE
May 20, 1950
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit