Editorial September 25, 1937 Issue

Legitimate Propaganda

George Shaw Cook

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.

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