Years ago, a newspaper editorial drew my ire. It seemed simplistic in its logic, and I took offense that a major newspaper would deal with a complex topic in what I considered a cavalier manner. I shot off a letter to the editor raising my objections, and some of the letter’s tone was sarcastic. To the newspaper’s credit, it published my letter anyway.
Not long after, I came across a By-Law in the Manual of The Mother Church titled “Uncharitable Publications.” It reads, “A member of this Church shall not publish, nor cause to be published, an article that is uncharitable or impertinent towards religion, medicine, the courts, or the laws of our land” (Mary Baker Eddy, p. 48). Though I hadn’t directed my comments to religion, medicine, the courts, or the legal system, I had to admit that my tone was decidedly impertinent and could be construed as uncharitable.
Mrs. Eddy’s responses always maintained a respectful and charitable tone, despite vicious attacks on her Church and her character.
