Article April 18, 1903 Issue

Church Finance

W. E. B.

Perhaps no phase of thought perplexes the beginner in Christian Science more than the subject of finance, and this is not due to the Christian Science aspect of the subject, for this is normal and just, but to past education in false theology. Under the old thought men were wont to regard the church as a sort of worthy object of charity, whose very existence depended upon their convenience in the way of contributions. This view shows clearly that the church was not the one important factor in man's existence which it was originally intended to be. All this is changed in Christian Science. The student soon realizes that the Church of Christ, Scientist, is the all-in-all of human life. When correctly apprehended, it takes its rightful place in his earthly experience; his financial duty to the church organization becomes just as important as any other obligation he assumes, and is met just as regularly as his grocery or rent bill; indeed, it is the most important account of all, since it is enabling the church to spread the "good news," so that others may enjoy the manifold blessings Christian Science has brought to him.

Here arises the question of liberality and justice in giving, which of course must be a matter of individual demonstration; but perhaps one is aided in this by remembering the saving made in materia medica and surgical bills, tobacco bills, and many losses and expenditures avoided by knowing the truths of Christian Science. If one bears in mind these benefits in deciding on the amount for church contribution, the church will provide itself with substantial structures wherever needed, dedicated free from debt. More than this, plenty of funds will ever be in the treasury to meet the growing demands of the Cause and to pay just salaries to all those required to give time in carrying on the work of the church organization.

In the payment of these salaries the old charity aspect is prone to show itself again in the offering of amounts not commensurate with the work and time required to fill properly the positions. During several years as a member of a church board of directors, the writer frequently observed, that whenever salaries were to be adjusted, mortal mind was ever ready to suggest an inadequate amount as ample, and to use as an argument that Mr.—would be glad to fill the position for nothing. This nothing attitude would at once indicate that such persons were not competent applicants, for this attitude discloses a lacking sense of justice, and as justice is an attribute of divine Mind, this quality must be expressed as well as all others, in order to bring out a rounded demonstration of ability.

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