Editorial December 14, 1929 Issue

True Building

Albert F. Gilmore

The problem of church building is one with which Christian Scientists are commonly concerned. It has two aspects, the metaphysical and the physical; that is, the spiritual — the gaining of spiritual understanding, and the material -- the construction of a church edifice. Since the relationship between the two is not always clearly discerned, confusion sometimes arises. And, in fact, it is because of lack of spiritual understanding of Church and its building that the material problem often seems so difficult. Yet the solution of both phases of the problem is identical; that is the need is, always and invariably, to strengthen our spiritual understanding, to lay hold more firmly of Spirit as substance. This done, the out manifestation of church building will be more readily completed.

The two aspects of Church presented by Mrs. Eddy in the definition on page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" are worthy of profound study, for in them lies the very basis of the demonstration which accomplishes the building of a church edifice. Church as "the structure of Truth and Love" is, manifestly, spiritual consciousness, the abiding place of spiritual ideas. Every Christina Scientist in gaining his freedom from the bondage which materiality seems to impose upon him is engaged in the attainment of spiritual consciousness. In this sense he is engaged in church building. He is trying to spiritualize his thinking through learning the truth about God and man. The process leads to the understanding of Spirit as substance — of Spirit as the only substance; that Spirit is infinite and indestructible, and that all spiritual ideas possess this substance by reflection.

The problem of building a church edifice then resolves itself into the demonstration of Spirit as substance. If this be clearly understood and carried out through the attendant human footsteps, the result will be assured, and all who have part in it will be rewarded, immeasurably rewarded, by the spiritual progress through which the demonstration was made. They will have risen to new heights of spiritual vision and attainment.

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