Article August 1, 1959 Issue

THE STANDARD OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST

[Of Special Interest to Young People]

PAULINE TAVENER

In the average home either the parents or the guardians keep a watchful eye on the conduct of young people. In school they are under the authority of their teachers. But on social occasions young people need to be especially watchful of their behavior. The Christian Scientist is, however, never actually without a guide to help him uphold a high standard, because the teachings of Christian Science, which set his standard, are an ever-present guardian.

What are these teachings which set such a standard? Briefly, that God, Spirit, is the only creator, that man is spiritual because made in God's image and likeness, and that everything He made is good, as the Bible says. Man is constituted of Godlike qualities, including purity, love, and joy. Whatever is material, impure, or discordant is not of God and therefore is unreal; it is but the manifestation of a belief in a power apart from God, in a counterfeit creation.

One who accepts the perfection of God and man as the only reality maintains a high moral standard in human affairs. But if one thinks of himself or others as material, as sick or sinful, he forsakes his standard. Should we find ourselves among those with a lower standard of morals than our own, there is no use in making our exit in a fit of self-righteousness. Neither is it our task to make others conform to our standard of behavior.

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