Perhaps nothing is more needed in the world today than a correct understanding of the marriage relationship. Christian Science has surprised the world by its revelation and proof that there is a Science of living. It may afford an even greater surprise to those unacquainted with its teachings to learn that it includes a Science of wedlock. Mary Baker Eddy has indicated this in an article entitled "Prevention and Cure of Divorce" in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" where she writes (p. 268), "Truth, canonized by life and love, lays the axe at the root of all evil, lifts the curtain on the Science of being, the Science of wedlock, of living and of loving, and harmoniously ascends the scale of life." The writings of Mrs. Eddy include an interpretation of the teachings of Christ Jesus and of the Apostle Paul, and furnish a correct basis for understanding the marriage relationship and the solution of problems arising from it.
Students of Christian Science often find it helpful to look up all that Mrs. Eddy has written on this important topic. In the chapter entitled "Marriage" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" our Leader deals with the subject of marriage briefly but with unmistakable clarity showing its relationship to the spiritual ideal and its place in human experience. Here and elsewhere in her writings she explains that marriage is to be respected as at present serving to maintain chastity, stability, and harmony in society.
Christian Science countenances no abrogation of moral laws or any violation of the marriage morale. It places marriage on a partnership basis in which rights bargained away are to be taken back only by mutual consent. Christian Science explains that the success of marriage, as of all other human relations, is dependent upon the application of the Golden Rule—of unselfish consideration and respect for each other's rights. The problems of marriage can no more be disposed of by separation or divorce than can other problems in life be solved scientifically without mastery of the claims of evil. Marriage carries with it an obligation which is not revoked by personal decisions.
