Article August 17, 1907 Issue

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE FROM A MUSICIAN'S STANDPOINT

FREDERIC W. ROOT

Fine Arts Journal

The Science which answers, so far as our human apprehension can go, the question of the ages and shows man his relation to God and the universe, is so vast a subject that different standpoints signify no more in the general understanding of it than views of the sun from different parts of the earth's surface to a comprehension of that luminary. However, as the object of the present article is not to explain this new system, but to comment briefly on its operation as observed among musical people, possibly something of interest may be said from their point of view, as well as from the universal standpoint.

In the first place, it is to be observed that Christian Science seems to appeal rather strongly to musicians, more forcibly, perhaps, than to those engaged in other occupations. Throughout all lines of professional and business activity people are bound by materialistic trammels, which tradition, education, and practice have fastened upon them. The musician is perhaps less hampered than others by a stolid materialism. The subject with which he occupies himself is largely idealistic; and his professional success is manifestly a question of consciousness rather than of matter. Naturally, then, whatever teaches a science of Mind that proves as fruitful of good results as does Christian Science, is attractive to him. Neither do musicians experience temptation to materialism to the extend that others do because of the gains derived from labor. There is very seldom one of this profession who must contemplate with perturbation the Scriptural simile involving a camel and the eye of the needle.

The musician's temperament and education incline him to respect intuition and spiritual vision, by means of which great discoveries are made; to appreciate the logical development of a theme; to discern harmonious proportions in a structure; to discriminate between that which is refined and that which is commonplace and banal; to give proper value to sentiment—indeed, to respond readily to demands upon the finer faculties. Christian Science makes such demands; and here in Chicago, at least, many musicians have perceived the congeniality of its philosophy, have satisfied themselves of its value, and are endeavoring to follow its teachings.

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THE CHURCH AND CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AS AN OUTSIDER SEES IT
August 17, 1907
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