Article October 10, 1953 Issue

THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT?

W. STUART BOOTH

Even as Christ Jesus made his teaching appealing and vital by the skillful use of parables, so we find that the employment of illustrations and symbols is helpful in our study and application of the Science of Christianity. So for this purpose let us consider a thermometer and a thermostat. The former is an instrument used to determine and indicate the temperature. It never governs anything, but it is always influenced and governed by its surroundings. A thermostat, on the other hand, is a device for controlling the temperature.

There is a human tendency which would have people think and act like a thermometer by permitting their thoughts and actions to be influenced and directed by those around them. In fact, this is a rather common tendency with many people in connection with such subjects as politics and governmental affairs. Also all too many people accept as their own thinking the suggestion that they should indulge in the use of alcohol and tobacco merely because others around them do so. Later they may find themselves in bondage to worse than useless habits, because of their thoughtlessness or lack of moral courage.

It is gratifying, however, to note an increasing evidence with young people to have their thought and actions as regards the use of intoxicants and tobacco less like a thermometer and more like a thermostat. Those who thus make their own decisions, instead of being unthinking and weak followers of others, find that their stand for clean thinking and living commands respect.

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