Article August 26, 1939 Issue

Youth and Spiritual Progress

[Written Especially for Young People]

JOHN VAN VALKENBURGH WATSON

YOUNG students of Christian Science need the spiritual education of active church membership, and the church organization needs the "easy and rapid strides towards Truth" which Mary Baker Eddy describes as characteristic of youth (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 236). When the temptation presents itself to delay joining a Christian Science church, it is often helpful if the hesitant one will ask himself, Whence comes this suggestion?

Does the suggestion present itself, "I am not yet good enough, or experienced enough, to join the church"? We must remember that man, as the reflection of God, manifests divine goodness. Mortals need to realize this, whatever they may have believed heretofore about the states and stages of human goodness. When we become conscious of spiritual reality, false appetites, such as drinking and smoking, which delay spiritual progress, are seen to be worthless.

Another question that sometimes troubles college students is, "Should I join a branch church, or the Christian Science organization at my college, or both?" Ordinarily, youthful Christian Scientists find that membership in a college organization is a great aid to them in the solution of their problems. It should be remembered, however, that these organizations only supplement the work of branch churches, and are in no way substitutes for that work. Further, it is possible to belong to a college organization and to a branch church or society at the same time.

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