Part 11 (2/2)

_Gains, not Losses_

Among the compensations that may supplant the loss of Jesus as an ideal are the thrill at being a pioneer in striving for the welfare of the human race rather than for individual salvation; the satisfaction at having a consistent creed that can be maintained against all criticism without hypocrisy or evasion; emanc.i.p.ation from inhibitions required by a supposedly divine teacher. Every pleasure is not a sin, but rejection of theology does not imply indifference to evil. Science warns against excess as strongly as any ancient command. The fear of natural or man-decreed punishment in this world is as potent as the dread of eternal torment threatened by Jesus.

If Jesus really was the sort of personage described in the Bible; if he really was born of a virgin, controlled the elements and had power to condemn unbelievers to eternal d.a.m.nation, all people should obey his every word. He should be followed literally; we should sell all our possessions and take no thought for the morrow. But if Jesus was not that sort of a person; if he was neither a supernatural G.o.d nor an infallible man, he should not be wors.h.i.+pped as a redeeming Savior nor be followed as a true guide for human conduct.

Our faith s.h.i.+fts with careful examination of the scriptures from belief in Jesus to confidence that the world is a far pleasanter abode than Jesus imagined. Without reliance upon the authority of Jesus we can adopt a code which will prove comparatively effective in leading towards a wholesome life.

CODE OF LIVING

1. Keep the body strong that the most efficient work may be done, the greatest happiness obtained during life and a wholesome inheritance pa.s.sed on to future generations.

2. Cultivate the mind, learning as many important facts as possible, striving to become expert in some particular field of endeavor.

3. Develop a scientific spirit, the essential characteristic of which is a search for Truth in the light of evidence and reason. Do not deceive yourself or others.

4. Base your spiritual concepts on the latest developments of Evolution.

Be prepared to change your philosophy to conform to the consensus of scientific opinion.

5. Conduct all human relations.h.i.+ps in a spirit of tolerance and love, having proper consideration for others, not presuming to control their lives.

6. Treat the opposite s.e.x honorably, respecting their complementary qualities, with due regard for succeeding generations.

7. Endeavor to embody in the laws of the community the spirit of equity and progress.

8. Strive for an economic system under which each individual shall be rewarded according to his or her value to society.

9. Avoid the use of physical force for personal revenge or national aggrandizement, having learned from experience that reason triumphs while brutality degrades.

10. Hold yourself in readiness to accept new revelations.

Luther Burbank wrote concerning the above code on November 11, 1925:

”_I am greatly pleased with your code of living ... The false ancient theology has past or is rapidly pa.s.sing with intelligent people at the present time. It is not applicable to our conditions and is of no more value than a worn-out suit of clothes._”

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