CHAPTER VI.
ETHICS.
We come now to trace the last parallel between Christian Science and Neoplatonism. It is a parallel in ethical principles.
Since many of these principles are involved in the subjects already discussed and have been dwelt upon more or less and shown to have their origin in Neoplatonism, this chapter may be made briefer than the preceding ones.
It will clear the field somewhat for us to notice that Christian Science is not only not Christianity but that it is a question whether or not it should be classified as a religion at all. It is a philosophy, a system of metaphysical and ethical principles.
The proof of this position is that the doctrine of mercy, of forgiveness, which Christian Science rejects, belongs properly to what is termed religion. Mrs. Eddy says: “The destruction of sin is the divine method of pardon. * * * Being destroyed, sin needs no other form of forgiveness;”[1] “The pardon of divine mercy is the destruction of error.”[2] Christian Science knows no such thing as guilt, and has no need of mercy.
