Truth Telling Destroys Evil CHARLES DANIEL REYNOLDS          When Christian Science uncovers evil it is not to fasten the evil upon the evildoer, but to separate him from it. When this end is accomplished, the method is proved right and the motive good. There are evils so subtly disguised and intrenched that nothing but a complete exposure before the full gaze of mankind can arouse a sleepy world from its slumber sufficiently to insure their correction. To forestall error and forewarn humanity of evil is a compassionate work. It is as if one saw his neighbor's house on fire, and gave the alarm that saved it. Worse things have happened to men than public exposure of the evils and weaknesses to which they have, sometimes ignorantly, sometimes knowingly, fallen victim.          The Christian Science Monitor and the other Christian Science periodicals are awake to the value of publicity as the means of correcting all kinds of sin, and they speak the truth clearly and fearlessly. No matter what the sin may be, whether it be intemperance, misappropriation of funds, incompetence, dishonesty or disloyalty in public office, or exploitation of business or religion for private ends, these periodicals hold strictly to the teachings of Scripture, and tell the truth plainly. In this respect they are like all great moral reformers whose work left the world better. They were not afraid of evil, and did not stop to speculate lest stirring it up might produce personal feeling and hard words. They knew the demands of right and also knew that their work would be protected. Blindness to evil is a sin, and the Christian Science periodicals do not congratulate themselves upon blindness to evil of any kind, try to hide it or cover it up, or make peace with it.          Such was not the high task assigned to them. Their editorial policy is no more one of neutrality or indifference toward evil than was that of Christ Jesus, as his life and teachings reveal it. Speaking of his attitude toward sin, the Founder of Christianity said, "I came not to send peace, but a sword;" or as quoted by Luke: "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." All who are familiar with the teachings of the Master know he did not instruct his followers to be afraid of evil, or afraid to expose it when necessary, or to run from it, as Moses was once tempted to do when he saw his rod become a serpent. The keynote of Jesus' teaching and practice was, "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out." There is no condonation of evil; instead there must be a purification, the destruction of evil by the power of divine Love.          Who ever before heard of a daily newspaper based entirely upon the Bible, explaining the application in daily affairs of the Ten Commandments, the life of Jesus, and his Sermon on the Mount? Hitherto such an undertaking was not considered feasible or possible. What has happened, it may be asked, that such an undertaking has all at once become perfectly practical, — an assured success on a large scale? The answer is very simple. It is due to the operation of the truth which is found in the inspired teachings of the Bible and our Leader's writings when boldly spoken and applied to daily life without fear or favor of any man or combination of men.          The teaching of Christian Science shows the need of being awake to evil, and this was never better illustrated or more clearly explained than it has been by Mrs. Eddy. Never has it been pointed out more clearly that indifference to sin puts one to sleep in it. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 448), speaking to those who have not risen above sin in themselves, Mrs. Eddy writes, "Do not congratulate yourself upon your blindness to evil." In the paragraph just preceding we find these words of instruction: "When needed tell the truth concerning the lie." This reminds us of John's familiar warning, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves."          The teaching that God does not know evil is obviously not to be applied to mortal consciousness, for no mortal can say that he is not conscious of sin. To speak the truth fearlessly and openly, brings out the fact that in scientific Christian practice it is just as important to know the truth about evil as it is to know the truth itself; just as necessary to recognize the tares as it is to see the wheat, or to be able to distinguish sheep from goats or wheat from chaff. This separating the one from the other has to be done. The difference between good and evil must become manifest, and in this respect the Christian Science periodicals are worthy exponents of the Bible. Does not this world war teach the futility of trying to be neutral, passive, or blind to evil?          In every column these periodicals show the only way in which Christianity can be successfully practiced, namely, by scientifically proving its method by results, faithfully doing sentry duty on the watchtowers of the world, not for mere selfish gain, but to bless mankind by pointing out "the wrong as well as the right practice" (Science and Health, p. 454). With this purpose in view, the columns of the Monitor, for instance, reporting the world's condition and happenings show us a very sick patient needing the care of a skillful practitioner, and this care is furnished the reader in the editorial treatment of the particular case in hand. What feasts of good things, what words of counsel and sound wisdom thus appear! What confidence, what hope, what good cheer, what loving admonition, what understanding, what courage, is here presented!          Those who have criticized Christian Science unfavorably on the ground that it teaches indifference to evil, can find no support for their views from the Monitor and the other Christian Science periodicals. What they are teaching of Christianity and the effectual practice thereof, is of priceless value to the world in general and to Christian Scientists in particular, as they offer an object lesson of correct spiritual discernment and practice. They rebuke the false sympathy which would shield the sinner from the exposure needed to accomplish correction. Emotional, human love puts up the false argument that it is wrong to expose sin, for in so doing it causes the sinner suffering and possible injury. This reticence may also contend that divine Truth is so powerful to correct error that no special effort to expose and destroy it is necessary. These periodicals are thus giving to the world an added proof that Christian Science stands for the religion of the Bible, and that this movement is a continuation of the great moral reformation from of old, sweeping the earth in the interest of a regenerated humanity.          Now, as in past ages, this movement is making new channels for itself for the accomplishment of its purpose, public services, practitioners, lecturers, teachers, and printed literature; but of these instrumentalities the Monitor is conspicuously useful. It is moreover a testimony to the great wisdom and foresight which guided Mrs. Eddy, that she could see the steps necessary for the establishment of so great an undertaking, and requiring such unexampled accuracy, fidelity, fearlessness, and patience.   "Truth Telling Destroys Evil" by Charles Daniel Reynolds Christian Science Sentinel, October 5, 1918

 

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