The great value of Christian Science rests in its effects on human consciousness. It is the leaven which not only heals physical discords, but also establishes harmony and right activity in all fields of human endeavor. The Christian Scientist who practices his religion becomes a powerful influence for good not only in his community, but also in his nation and throughout the world, for Mary Baker Eddy says in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 4), "Thought imbued with purity, Truth, and Love, instructed in the Science of metaphysical healing, is the most potent and desirable remedial agent on the earth."
Jesus set the example of right living for all of us in his obedience to human law as well as to divine law in his pronouncement (Mark 12:17), "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." He did not incite his followers to disobey the established government under which they lived. He did, however, expose the priestcraft which attempted to enslave men's minds. He said to Pilate (John 18:36), "If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." After Pilate had questioned him further he announced to the people that he could find nothing wrong in the Master's actions as a citizen of the state.
Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, admonishes her followers to obey the laws of the land and to be good citizens. Asked what her politics were, she stated that she had none except support of righteous government, supreme love of God, and love of her neighbor as herself. Speaking of the right teacher of Christian Science, she said that he is preeminent among men and that he will be found standing at the head of all necessary reform. As followers of Jesus and of our Leader, all Christian Scientists know that the true government of the universe originates in God, or divine Principle, and that every individual, in his true being, represents this omnipotent government. Obedient to the divine power, the Christian Scientist not only finds his human affairs constantly improving, but he also presents to his community the example of true citizenship, and like the right teacher of Christian Science, he too stands pre-eminent among men.
