Editorial May 12, 2003 Issue

Secure I.D.

Editor

The title of a painting by the French symbolist Paul Gauguin asks, "Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?" People have always asked questions like these. In a very real way, so do nations. From age to age, it could be argued, identity is the central question humanity grapples with.

In this, we're reminded of something the founder of the Sentinel realized: "As an active portion of one stupendous whole, goodness identifies man with universal good. Thus may each member of this church rise above the oft-repeated inquiry, What am I? to the scientific response: I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing" (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 165).

The abilities Mary Baker Eddy mentioned apply to everyone. They are based on her discovery of the good, spiritual identity that God has given to each of His sons and daughters. The truth of this spiritual identity is very much at the heart of what this magazine endeavors to highlight and explore from week to week.

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