A Rule for Motives and Acts.
Neither animosity nor mere personal attachment should impel the motives or acts of the members of The Mother Church. In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness. The members of this Church should daily watch and pray to be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging, condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously.
— Mary Baker Eddy,
Manual of The Mother Church, Article VIII, Section 1
Thou shalt this, thou shalt not that. When someone cites rules, do you bristle a little? We all do. One-size-fits-all prohibitions and commands seem contrary to freedom and individuality.
Sure, we accept that we must have rules (or perhaps that other people must have rules). Without rules, the yellow line on the highway wouldn’t be very reassuring. Without rules, lawlessness would reign. Still, rules can be onerous, especially when they are discriminatory, arbitrary, or oppressive. Bristling is sometimes understandable. Rebellion is sometimes necessary.
