The term "propaganda" has frequently been stigmatized because of its offensive and aggressive use in connection with selfish commercial, political, and other enterprises. However, the term itself is not necessarily a reprehensible one. Webster's International Dictionary defines propaganda, in part, as follows: "Any organized or concerted group, effort, or movement to spread a particular doctrine or system of doctrines." Thus it will be seen that it is a perfectly legitimate thing to propagandize in the interests of a good cause, provided of course the means used are not aggressive or mesmeric.

The thought of propaganda is closely allied with the thought of promotion. It might be said, for example, that propaganda of the right sort may be wisely used in the promotion or extension of any worthy cause, especially one as worthy as the Cause of Christian Science. And Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says in "Retrospection and Introspection" (p. 52), "For many successive years I have endeavored to find new ways and means for the promotion and expansion of scientific Mind-healing, seeking to broaden its channels and, if possible, to build a hedge round about it that should shelter its perfections from the contaminating influences of those who have a small portion of its letter and less of its spirit."

Among the means of promotion adopted by our Leader and provided for in the Church Manual are the church services, the Reading Rooms, the public lectures on Christian Science, and the publication and circulation of the authorized periodicals of the denomination. other approved means used for purposes of propaganda are the radiocasting of church services, lectures, and programs which include reading from the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings; also the publication, in the secular press, of lectures, Lesson-Sermon excerpts, and so forth. Likewise, newspaper and other advertisements and announcements are freely used to call public attention to Christian Science church services, lectures, and Reading Rooms.

When these means are used wisely, and with right motives, they bring good results. The motive in their use should not be merely to gain publicity, or to proselytize, but to bring the healing and redemptive nature of Christian Science to the attention of those who are ready for it, and who are therefore receptive to its message of healing and deliverance.

Jesus sent forth twelve disciples at one time and seventy at another to preach the gospel or good news of the Christmethod of salvation. And, before his ascension, he instructed the eleven who were with him to go "into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Saul of Tarsus, who after his conversion to the Christway of healing and teaching was known as Paul, devoted the remainder of his life to missionary work, mainly among the Gentiles. He was a persistent propagandist in the interests of primitive Christianity. However, Paul's preaching, like that of the earlier disciples, was accompanied by healing through spiritual means. That healing of itself constituted the very best method of Christian propaganda. And yet Paul wrote to the Romans: "How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?"

It will be remembered by students of the Gospels that Jesus, because of his marvelous works of healing, frequently was thronged by the multitude. They even followed him into the desert place where later he compassionately provided them with food through his understanding of his heavenly Father, divine Mind, as the source of supply. The Master had little need of the ordinary means of propaganda. His demonstration of divine power was his best advertisement.

It is recorded in Acts that "by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people." And it is evident from the context that these signs of the Christ-power to heal sickness were an effectual means of making converts, for the record continues, "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women."

The potency of Christ, Truth, to attract to itself those who are in need of healing and redemption is abundantly proved in the growth and expansion of the Christian Science movement. Christian Science congregations throughout the world consist largely of those who have been healed by Science of sickness and sin, poverty, incapacity, and fear. Our Leader wrote in one of her Messages to The Mother Church (Message for 1902, p. 1): "Beloved brethren, another year of God's loving providence for His people in times of persecution has marked the history of Christian Science. With no special effort to achieve this result, our church communicants constantly increase in number, unity, steadfastness." So, while we as Christian Scientists are justified in the wise use of legitimate means of propaganda, we should never lose sight of the fact that our best "propagandist" is spiritual healing. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

George Shaw Cook