Christian Scientists respect the law
Since Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, in defiance of the Supreme Court, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, there has been a plethora of editorials throughout the print and electronic media on this topic.
A number of these editorials have used analogies of Christian Scientists refusing to provide rightful services based on religious convictions, e.g., a Walmart cashier refusing to sell aspirin to a customer, or an EMS technician refusing to treat an injured person. These analogies and others are so unlike actual Christian Scientists, they made me laugh out loud.
Christian Scientists observe the laws of the land, and they have a high regard for the Golden Rule — “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). A Christian Scientist would not use a position of authority as a means of enforcing his or her religious convictions on others by refusing to provide rightful services.
Many Christian Scientists do choose to rely on scientific prayer, which is grounded in God’s law as demonstrated by Christ Jesus and his disciples, to meet their health needs, because they have found scientific prayer wholly effective in meeting their needs. At the same time, they respect the health care choices of their friends and neighbors.
Hank Teller
Hattiesburg
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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