Article January 29, 1955 Issue

PROGRESS THROUGH THE CROSS, TRIUMPH WITH THE CROWN

MAURICE W. HASTIE

Christian Science brings new meaning to the familiar Christian injunction, "Take up the cross." Since the advent of Christianity the cross has become symbolic. To some, it means that the afflictions and hardships of material existence must be cheerfully accepted as a part of one's Christian duty. To Christian Scientists, however, the cross, properly understood, represents a joyous means of progress through the demonstration of Truth.

Christian Science shows that taking up the cross is an active part of our responsibility as Christian Scientists. This responsibility is patterned after the manner of Jesus. The Master bore his cross until the completion of his demonstration. He proved that it could not be an instrument of death in his experience.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 50), "The real cross, which Jesus bore up the hill of grief, was the world's hatred of Truth and Love." The Master's triumph over hatred and opposition was essential to Christianity. First, however, it was essential to Christ Jesus himself, for by this victory he obtained individual proof that the law of immortal Life sustains one under every attack of evil. This demonstration of Truth's power was also essential to Jesus' disciples and friends, who were aroused to a more spiritual idea of Life when they saw the resurrected Saviour. And this victory is essential to us as proof of divine Science. It gives evidence that life cannot be exterminated; that even the human body is not blotted out by death, a fact which Jesus proved by raising his body from the grave and by remaining physically with his disciples for forty days.

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