Article February 27, 1954 Issue

FIDELITY TO THE TEACHINGS OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

VIVIEN U. LYNCH

The informed student of Christian Science knows that the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, is revealed truth. He knows that it is not a compilation of personal thoughts or convictions, or a human theory about life and thinking; he knows it to be God's revelation of Himself given to the world through Mrs. Eddy, who was pure enough and spiritually-minded enough to receive it. Since Christian Science is God's revelation of the absolute truth, every statement of the textbook is true, whether absolute in its presentation or relative in its application to human experience.

Christian Science demands absolute fidelity to its teachings for spiritual progress and harmony. In this day of self-indulgence and emphasis upon material theories and practices, one needs to be most alert that he be not mesmerized by the subtle suggestion that he go along with the general trend of the day by taking cocktails or alcohol in any form, no matter how mild it is thought to be. On page 406 of the textbook there is this thought-arresting statement: "The depraved appetite for alcoholic drinks, tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, is destroyed only by Mind's mastery of the body. This normal control is gained through divine strength and understanding." It is to be noted that this appetite is called a depraved appetite and Mind's control over it is designated as normal control.

Sometimes we hear one say that when he joined a Church of Christ, Scientist, many years ago, he was not asked about smoking and drinking "because it was not then a rule of the church" that one should not drink or smoke. Therefore, he does not feel obligated to refrain from these indulgences now. This is shallow thinking and reasoning. Not to drink alcohol or smoke or use stimulants or drugs of any kind may not he a rule of the church to which one must subscribe in order to be a member of it, but it is now and always has been the teaching of Christian Science that one should refrain from indulging in worldly appetites if he is to be a true Christian Scientist and progress spiritually. Since Christian Science teaches that one should free himself from encumbering false beliefs, the question is lovingly asked of applicants for membership whether or not they indulge in these evils. If they do indulge, it is considered better for the individuals and the church if they relinquish these practices before they are taken into membership.

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