Editorial August 6, 1979 Issue

Uniqueness of the Monitor

Nathan A. Talbot

Why has The Christian Science Monitor earned such wide respect in the newspaper industry? Undoubtedly there are many kinds of reasons. But the underlying one is metaphysical.

Mrs. Eddy established the Monitor as a vital activity of her Church. She didn't propose that it function on the sidelines. The paper was expected to contribute substantially to the overall healing effect her Church was to have in the world. Because of the Monitor's firm allegiance to spiritual and moral values, it is not obligated to respond to personal opinion or special interests. But it does have deep responsibilities to integrity and compassion, to solution-oriented insights.

Among the many factors propelling publication of the Monitor is a very distinctive motive. This fundamental motive, essential to Monitor thinking, is an attitude—a spirit—that was exemplified in the life of Christ Jesus. It's a spirit that enables the paper to discuss the difficulties of our faulty world while at the same time maintaining a basic recognition—a spirit of certainty—that beyond this limited human perspective is God's creation of perfection. The inevitable effect of a newspaper with this kind of editorial ideal behind it is a powerful and unique blessing brought to bear on the uncertainties and confusions of general mortal thinking.

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