Article May 19, 1928 Issue

Church Membership

LESLIE D. GOODRICH

"Church " is defined, in part, by Mrs. Eddy on page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." And on page 35 (ibid.) Mrs. Eddy writes, "We can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love,—casting out error and healing the sick."

The Church of Christ, Scientist, is the organization through which consecrated Christian Scientists are helping to convey the healing truth to all mankind. The members of this church are endeavoring to realize that they are called upon, more than the members of any other church or organization, to demonstrate their understanding of God and to prove the faith that is in them. Our church teaches a present salvation from sin, disease, and death; and we should, therefore, improve the opportunity to prove our freedom from error of every description here and now, even as Jesus did, by healing the sick, reforming the sinner, and destroying the belief of death.

Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has given us the Manual of The Mother Church as guide in our daily life; and she clearly defines certain duties of the members of this church in its By-laws named "A Rule for Motives and Acts" and "Alertness to Duty" (pp. 40, 42). She also tells us in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 230) of the spiritual blessings received through obeying all the Rule and By-laws of the Manual.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Church Membership

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access