In an article entitled "Religion and Riches," which appeared...

Alfred Farlow

Boston Transcript

In an article entitled "Religion and Riches," which appeared in your issue of Nov. 29, I find the following statement: "The vast accumulation of money and power in the hands of the controllers of The Mother Church must offer a constant temptation to the selfish, ambitious, and worldly-minded inside and outside of the organization." This declaration has no special application to the Christian Science church. It could be applied with equal propriety to any other institution, religious or secular. The Christian conduct of any religious body must depend upon the moral stamina of its individual members. In the business world it is generally understood that the stability of a corporation depends upon the honesty of its officials. The Christian Science church, like all other denominations, will be conducted in a wise and Christian manner so long as those in charge of its affairs are willing to be Christian, willing to be governed by divine wisdom.

While the financial power of the Christian Science church has been largely exaggerated, it is nevertheless true that the members of this denomination are liberal givers. This is not abnormal, for even in the religious world one naturally desires to have value received, to place his money where it will really accomplish something. Every beneficiary of Christian Science is firmly convinced that the money spent in the promulgation and propagation of his religion is not spent in vain. He is also convinced that, since Christian Science has afforded him added health and strength, and the consequent ability to earn money, one of his first duties is to take good care of the Cause which has so abundantly cared for him.

It is said that Christian Scientists "have abolished the camel and the needle's eye from their ritual. Poverty is an 'error' for which men can be treated; and we are told that 'demonstrations' of its curability are abundant." It is not the teaching of Christian Science that every individual may be made rich through Christian Science treatment, although it is expected that under divine provision one will have what he really needs for his spiritual welfare, and that his actual wants in the material will be supplied as a consequence. Christian Science is in strict accord with the Scriptural teaching, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Mortals in their limited understanding of their own needs may desire riches, although in the sight of supreme intelligence it may be better that they should have even less than they now have.

Divine Providence cares primarily for our spiritual wants and never mistakes in judgment. A Christian Scientist cannot consistently ask for specific material things. It is his duty to seek first the kingdom of God, and then to take whatever follows in the material as a legitimate consequence. Christian Science clarifies the mentality of the individual. It gives him keener foresight and better judgment, and thus enhances his business capacity. Whatsoever we do in the light and under the guidance of Truth and Love will be rightly done, and we shall be entitled to prosperity in return therefor. No benefits can come through Christian Science except as a result of improved spirituality. Thus our readers may note that poverty is not always considered an "error" by a Christian Scientist. It may be just what the individual needs. On the other hand, riches may not always be a God-ordained benefit. Neither may the fact that one does not become rich always be taken as evidence of a lack of "demonstration."

We are very kindly and generously admonished that we "should remember that the special apostle who acted as treasurer for the little band has not borne a very good financial reputation." This is quite true, but the point is quite beside the question. There is no more authority for affirming that it was unchristian for the disciples to have a bag of money because Judas was its bearer, than there is to suppose that it was improper for Jesus Christ to have a following because Judas was one of the company. The fact still remains that the plan was our Lord's, and that he and the apostles had money for their own use and money to spare. Furthermore, the Master declared, "The laborer is worthy of his hire." He advised his disciples that it was not necessary for them to wait until they were financially strong before venturing out upon their mission, but that they might go out empty-handed, and would receive sufficient provision. He afterward required them to give a report, inquiring, "Lacked ye any thing?" and they replied in the negative. They probably did not become rich, but they evidently had plenty. However, riches are oftentimes helpful if obtained in a legitimate manner and rightfully used.

With the question as to what may happen to the Christian Science church if perchance something else should happen to it, we have no interest. The Christian Science church is well cared for today, and it confidently rests on the Scriptural admonition, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." While Mrs. Eddy has shown herself to be a leader of marked wisdom and executive ability, one of her most important duties is to help her church to such an advanced position as will dispense with the necessity of personal leadership.

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