Article December 25, 1909 Issue

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.

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