Article April 30, 1955 Issue

OVERCOMING HEREDITY

S. LESLIE G. BEAUFOY

"Heredity is not a law." In this unequivocal statement on page 178 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy declares the falsity of one of the most strongly held beliefs of the human race. Throughout the ages mankind has believed itself to be helplessly bound to a physical law by which sin and suffering are transmitted from one generation to another. Many indeed have questioned the justice of a law which punishes one for the sins or misfortunes of others, yet they have resigned themselves to the belief that their suffering is in accord with God's will. Even a human sense of justice will not long tolerate such a law; and Christian Scientists are daily demonstrating with certainty and joy the truth of Mrs. Eddy's categorical affirmation quoted above.

Whence, then, originated this so-called law, so generally evil and destructive in its effect? It was founded on the belief in a creation apart from God, the mythical, substanceless, dream creation of which we read in the second chapter of Genesis. Here is presented a kind of man formed of the dust who believes himself a creator and in pride and lust seeks his perpetuation by reproducing others of his own kind—mankind. Of this man the Bible records nothing good. His first offspring was a murderer, and his end was foretold by the Lord God, his supposed creator.

We read that the Lord God said to Adam (Gen. 3:19), "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Clearly this is not the man referred to in the opening chapter of the Bible—man made in the image of God, having dominion over the whole earth, the whole universe of God's spiritual ideas, which constitute His creation.

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