Article December 8, 2014 Issue

Morality—freeing, not restrictive

Kari Mashos

The Bible is well known for its presentation of a moral code to govern society. For instance, the Ten Commandments, as a code of conduct, are recognized as having influenced many of humanity’s ideas of right and wrong behavior. Specific teachings of Christ Jesus, many of them included in the Sermon on the Mount, are also seen as including a moral system of ethics. Both the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount are central, and essential, to the teachings and healing practice of Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, pointed out the necessity of paying attention to the moral code. Describing anyone who desires to heal through Christian Science, she wrote, “Above all, he keeps unbroken the Ten Commandments, and practises Christ’s Sermon on the Mount” (Rudimental Divine Science, p. 12).

Debates on this topic have gone on for ages. Some say that these teachings are judgmental and restrictive of personal freedoms. Others say that, unless you precisely follow the rules, hellfire awaits.

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