Article November 15, 1913 Issue

The announcement by the local Christian Science church...

Anderson (Ind.) Bulletin

The announcement by the local Christian Science church of a public lecture seems to make pertinent some observations in regard to this world-wide religious movement. The term "world-wide" is used advisedly. It is only thirty-eight years since Mrs. Eddy first gave to the world her book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which contains an exposition of the doctrines of Christian Science and a method of interpretation of the Scriptures in many respects widely at variance with prevailing theological creeds and dogmas.

In the brief period of less than half a century, Christian Science has girdled the earth. The first church organization was effected at Boston in 1879, and is known as The Mother Church. The first building for The Mother Church was completed in 1894, at a cost of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and in 1906 an extension to this building, costing two million dollars, was opened for public worship. The organization of branch churches throughout the United States and Canada has gone on with amazing rapidity, until there is scarcely a city or town in which the cult is not represented. In England, Germany, and generally throughout continental Europe, the growth of Christian Science is little short of marvelous. In South Africa, Australasia, and in the "isles of the sea" this religion has flung to the breeze its banner of healing.

The Bulletin holds no brief for the Christian Scientists. As a newspaper, it engages in no religious discussions; but it may note that the public attitude toward Christian Science has undergone a great change in the past few years. During the period of early development, the new doctrines were met on every hand with fierce criticism, contumely, and gross misrepresentation; and yet the cause steadily advanced. As the ranks of the Scientists increased in numbers and they were seen to be earnest and sincere in their religious belief, were good neighbors and law-abiding citizens, intolerance gave way to tolerance, and even in many instances to mild approval.

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