Editorial October 30, 1976 Issue

Caution: Ally of Fear or Wisdom?

Peter J. Henniker-Heaton

The healing practice of Christian Science demands radical commitment to Spirit and spiritual values. It depends on ways and means that are neither material nor human but wholly spiritual and divine. Its demonstration demands this radical spiritual commitment and dependence. And it requires these to be implemented by spiritual action and the exercise of spiritual qualities.

Is caution one of these spiritual qualities and does it have a place in Christian Science practice? Caution is not a spiritual quality; but it can be part of our equipment for healing. Christ Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, which opens with the Beatitudes, later includes such stark warnings as, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."^{Matt. 7:6;}

The writings of Mrs. Eddy also contain warnings. The opening section of her book Unity of Good is captioned "Caution in the Truth." And in speaking of the public response to her teaching of Christian healing she writes: "Now the wide demand for this universal benefice is imperative, and it should be met as heretofore, cautiously, systematically, scientifically. This Christian educational system is established on a broad and liberal basis. Law and order characterize its work and secure a thorough preparation of the student for practice."^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 245.} Here is no provision for reckless zeal.