Article September 3, 1966 Issue

The Mark of a Good Soldier

JOHN LAWRENCE DIER

Unquestioning obedience is the mark of a good soldier. This axiom is just as true of a student of Christian Science. "Unquestioning obedience," however, certainly does not mean "unthinking obedience" or "blind obedience."

That obedience which results in instant right action when an imperative command is given is the result of training, study, and practice. An "electronic brain," a so-called "thinking" computer, will react to a predetermined or programmed command, but such reaction would certainly be blind obedience because thinking is not really involved.

A correct reaction to a command requires interpretation, application to the situation, and performance. Whether the command is to the soldier, "Take cover," or to the aircraft pilot, "A warning red light," or to the student of Christian Science, "A claim of mortal mind to be reversed," clear thinking and instant action mark a well-trained, well-practiced individual.

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