Editorial December 12, 1903 Issue

Individual Affairs

Our attention has been called, from time to time, to certain business enterprises conducted by Christian Scientists which have been exploited in such a manner as to create the impression that our denomination is responsible for them, or that it is in some manner connected with them. This is entirely wrong, and we can say with authority that the Christian Science Church is in no wise interested in, or responsible for, any business other than the publication and sale of its official literature.

It is the privilege of every man voluntarily to take upon himself whatever responsibility is lawful and within his desire, but to force upon him responsibilities which are not his, and which he does not desire to assume, is to violate his right. This is equally true of an organization; and individual members should not assume to commit the organization, either by direct statement or by implication, to the promotion of any enterprise which is foreign to its purpose.

Christian Scientists, like other people, are engaged in almost every legitimate business and profession, but they are thus engaged as individuals only, and as individuals they must bear the entire responsibility for their business affairs. May we ask them so to conduct their affairs that neither their Leader nor the Cause of Christian Science will seem to be involved. M.

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