Editorial March 23, 1992 Issue

Nothing more important to give

Allison W. Phinney, Jr.

It might seem surprising on first thought, but the fact is there are limits on differences of opinion among those who are devoting themselves to living by the Science of Christ.

Let's say, for example, you feel the position another Christian Scientist is advocating in regard to your branch church affairs is wrong. You don't just feel it's wrong but that it misleads people dangerously in a wrong direction. You can express your view in a normal way—perhaps in your executive board or church business meetings—but you are not to be drawn into anger and personal condemnation, either in public or in private. To foster that kind of atmosphere would actually be more sinful than what you think your opponent is doing wrong.

Who says so? Christ Jesus was forceful and direct about this. He said, "Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." The Amplified Bible translation expands "Thou fool" into something a lot more recognizable and likely for our times—"You empty-headed idiot!" But the point is the same: Jesus said this kind of personal rancor was out of the question.

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