Article October 5, 1968 Issue

God Governs Governments

KATHLEEN O'CONNOR

For ages mankind have adopted various forms of government. These have ranged from tribal rule, through autocracy and dictatorship, to democracy, so well described by Abraham Lincoln as "government of the people, by the people, for the people."^{Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19, 1863;}

Although far from perfect in its present operation, constitutional democracy offers the best blueprint available for the unfolding of individual freedom and progress. However, democratic government can rise no higher than the aggregate consciousness of the people comprising it. At present it is held back by selfishness, greed, dishonesty, apathy, and unwillingness to assume responsibilities commensurate with individual rights. But as humanity progresses spiritually, these deterrents will gradually give way to the ideal of service and a willingness to subordinate self-interest to the greatest good for the greatest number. Thus the ideal of democracy will find its fulfillment as it approximates true self-government, or government by divine Principle, God, or good.

Christian Science reiterates the truths inherent in the teachings of Christ Jesus, namely, that there is in reality only one government, that of divine Mind, Spirit, the Supreme Ruler of the universe, including man, His spiritual image and likeness. The Christian Scientist endeavors to keep this fact always before him, trusting God wholeheartedly with the government not only of his home, his business, his church, but also of his country and of all nations. He derives comfort, strength, and stability from making practical in his experience the words of Isaiah concerning the Christ, the true idea of God, which Jesus demonstrated, "The government shall be upon his shoulder."^{Isa. 9:6;}

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

God Governs Governments

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access