Item of Interest March 16, 1940 Issue

Item of Interest

Word is received occasionally to the effect that someone has been influenced to enter into an investment scheme or a business enterprise because the name of a Christian Scientist appears in advertising literature regarding it, or because it is recommended or mentioned by a Christian Scientist, or even by a Christian Science practitioner. It is to be remembered that not all such enterprises have turned out successfully, and sometimes those who have been so influenced seem inclined to feel that the Christian Scientists involved are somewhat responsible for the resulting disappointment.

It is to be remembered also that no project for development, stock-selling scheme, or undertaking calling for financial investment, should be regarded as entirely sound or wholly commendable merely because Christian Scientists are connected with it, or because a particular appeal is made to Christian Scientists to invest in it. Occasionally Christian Scientists are personally solicited in connection with business enterprises, and sometimes the directory of practitioners and churches in The Christian Science Journal is used as a mailing list for the literature promoting stock-selling schemes and undertakings offering opportunity for speculative investment. Such enterprises may not always be legitimate, and some of them may be impositions.

Christian Scientists usually prefer to transact business with companies which solicit no particular group of religionists, but which conduct their affairs in a conservative manner that will meet with the approval of the public generally. Before investing in response to solicitations by mail, or otherwise, directed particularly to advertised practitioners or to Christian Scientists especially, thorough scrutiny and careful investigation should invariably be given any undertaking so advertised. It is to be hoped that Christian Scientists in general will endeavor to discourage the use of lists of practitioners or others connected with our organization for the promotion of business enterprises. The advertising columns of The Christian Science Monitor offer an excellent means of bringing worthy service and products to the attention of all readers, including those who may not be especially interested in the religion of Christian Science.

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