Editorials

THE dogmas of Christian theology have long been favorite battle ground. The meaning and purpose of the Scriptural messages almost from the beginning of the Christian era have been prolific subjects for debate; and the controversy is still on.

Much has been thought, spoken, and done concerning missions and missionaries. Nearly, if not quite all, the Christian churches carry on what they call missions with the aid of missionaries whom they employ, whereby their especial doctrines or denominational creeds are promulgated.

Christian Science gives an entirely new viewpoint from which to survey creation. Before one knows anything about the truth which Christian Science reveals, he lives in the belief that what is generally known as the universe,—the earth and the other planets, the stars and the nebulæ, which men picture to themselves as existing in space, in other words, the so-called material universe, including so-called material man,—is the most real thing there is or can be.

The passages in the gospel of John which deal with the incarnation of the Christ are of peculiar significance to students of Christian Science. Christians have long found in these passages justification for the belief that material man is the temple of the Holy spirit, a belief which has led them into the doctrine of dualism,—spirit indwelling in matter.

ONE of the outstanding features of the religious life of to-day is the tendency towards the practice of spiritual healing. The method of spiritual healing was early lost by the Christian Church; and it was not until Mrs.

PERHAPS nothing appeals more strongly to most persons than the possibility of beginning anew. Because of this, the instant one's thought turns to a new year there comes before one all sorts of hopeful visions,—visions of leaving old and worn-out methods and things, of starting in afresh with new purposes and opportunities, with new hopes and advantages, with new expectations and courage.

MORTALS are prone to obey what they believe to be Truth. The beliefs which they regard as true to a very great degree govern and control their thoughts, acts, and modes of life.

The following letter from our revered Leader to The Christian Science Board of Directors, first published in the Sentinel of August 22, 1914, is again shared with the field because of the pertinency of its wise counsel to all Christian Scientists:— Pleasant View, Concord, N. H.

IN all literature there is nothing, perhaps. more familiar to the Christian world, or more exquisite withal, than Luke's recounting of the vision of the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem when the angel brought to them word of the birth of Jesus.

ONE of the many grand truths which Christian Science makes plain to mankind is that God, divine Love, is impartial. It is a truth which greatly satisfies the hungering heart.