Article July 13, 1907 Issue

Such an audience as that which listened to Mrs. Sue Harper Mims...

Jackson (Mich.) Press

Such an audience as that which listened to Mrs. Sue Harper Mims, the Christian Science lecturer, on Tuesday night, with all its material surroundings, would not have been possible three decades ago. The comparative absence of adverse criticism by the audience, so mixed in its character, and the very marked disposition to speak kindly of opponents of the faith, were highly suggestive to any one who has taken active interest in the matter of religious faith, doctrines, and denominations, for the last quarter of a century.

One is justified in asking whether the spirit shown on such occasions is a proof of religious intolerance having passed away; or, on the other hand, does it arise from the indifference of men to creedal and religio-philosophic subjects. Twenty-five years ago religious thought, or at least its profession, was marked by two very distinct attitudes—that of orthodoxy and heterodoxy. In those days doctrines made men hate each other, while they fought under the very banner of peace and love.

That people now are more tolerant of the other fellow's creed and profession is shown by the absence of the bitter spirit of the former days. In the treatment of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, or discoveries, there has been the most widespread discussion from every view-point. Truly it may be said of her followers, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." In all the abuse and unkindness shown by some writers, there is no question but that the one who was reviled has used a logic new in religious strife—a logic that has exasperated certain minds, but its newness and its force stand proven. This spirit may partly explain the growth of Christian Science. Its non-combative attitude is a new element in religious propaganda. But whether the old-time spirit of one sect waging war against the other is dead, or merely sleeping, is an open question.

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