Editorial August 21, 1971 Issue

A Word to the Nothingarian

Naomi Price

Many people long for a satisfactory explanation of the universe. They see a world torn with strife and conflicting values, and they find it hard to believe that this is all there is to a creation that has an intelligent original cause and might offer so much. Surely, they reason, there must be some mode of communication with the creator of it all, so that men may comprehend the original purpose of life and do their part in harmonizing with it. They may wonder if religion is the connecting link they seek.

But there are some who find religion as taught by the churches obscure and unsatisfying, leaving many fundamental questions unanswered. They find they are required to believe without an adequate explanation of the reason why. Integrity forbids such unthinking acceptance of dogma and creed, so eventually they settle for a temporary place in the ranks of the nothingarians—those who adhere to no particular sect or creed—until something better comes along.

This is the path along which many people have come to the study of Christian Science and found it satisfying because it requires inspiration to be supported by understanding rather than blind belief. Its Founder, Mrs. Eddy, writes in its textbook, Science and Health, "Reason is the most active human faculty."^{Science and Health, p. 327;} She expects the students of this Science to use reason and to be intelligently led thereby to the right apprehension of God and His universe and His purpose in creating it.