A few weeks ago, a dear friend and I had an animated email discussion about the pros and cons of leaving the European Union. We happen to be on opposite sides of the fence on this subject, but as we go back nearly 50 years, we have learnt not to let fundamental disagreements about politics (or anything else) get in the way of a friendship which is very precious to us both. At the end of our email conversation, we agreed to disagree, and signed off “with so much love always, in spite of Brexit”!
Our conversation got me thinking about how politics tries to divide and polarise opinion. In America, the Trump phenomenon has set families against families, friends against friends, often resulting in long-standing feuds and even estrangement. Praying to gain a sense of peace about politics in general, and Brexit in particular, I realised that it’s only by taking things higher that we can find lasting peace about divisive and confrontational national and international situations.
With this in mind, Mrs. Eddy’s words in Science and Health are tailor-made to help us deal with the political unrest on the human scene today. She writes, in part, “One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, “Love thy neighbour as thyself”...” She also reassures us, “The heaving surf of life’s troubled sea foams itself away, and underneath is a deep-settled calm”.
In her book, Miscellany, our Leader clearly outlines her views on politics, which are a beacon of light in these troubled political times:
“From the BOSTON POST, November, 1908.
POLITICS
Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy has always believed that those who are entitled to vote should do so, and she has also believed that in such matters no one should seek to dictate the actions of others.
In reply to a number of requests for an expression of her political views, she has given out this statement:-
I am asked, “What are your politics?” I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government; to love God supremely, and my neighbour as myself.”
When praying for our beloved country at this critical time in its history, I find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “And the government will be upon His shoulder”.