Editorial November 7, 1931 Issue

Factors of Progress

Clifford P. Smith

Since Christian Science is Science as well as a theology, there is an appropriate course of development by which to acquire its benefits for one's self and extend them to other people. For persons who approach this subject from other points of view, the factors of progress, as named in their natural order, are inquiry, interest, study, application, and increasing use. Study should accompany application and increasing use, but, finally, it without them is vain.

Although the outline just stated is adapted in its entirety to persons who approach Christian Science from other points of view, all of it except the first item is equally adapted to those who have been Christian Scientists, rather than anything else, from childhood, but have not become active as such. It is equally applicable, likewise, to all persons who have become Scientists at any time, but have failed to maintain the progress which this religion requires. For all such, the first factor of further progress is apt to be a keener appreciation, an increased or renewed interest.

Possibly, the first need of an avowed Christian Scientist who is not progressive may be more effective study. Mere reading is not study, in the full sense of this term. Intelligent study of Christian Science involves method and purpose. It involves orderly meditation and the intention to acquire for the purpose of use. This kind of study is likely to be aided by class teaching from an authorized teacher. More than this, class teaching is likely to equip pupils for practice and to inculcate practical use. Authorized instruction should be sought at the right time; but, as between studying with a teacher before one is ready for this step and postponing it longer than is necessary or wise, delay is much more common than haste.

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