Article December 13, 1941 Issue

The Individual and the Church

C. EDMUND LEHMANN

Applicants for membership in a Christian Science church are told, among other things, that they are expected to support their church metaphysically. Sometimes this seems to present a perplexing problem. Therefore, it is necessary for the individual to learn more about the real Church, that he may do this work rightly. As a means of learning more about the basic nature of Church, the use of the Concordances to the Bible and to the various writings by Mary Baker Eddy will be found most helpful.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy has given the spiritual concept of Church in her definition on page 583, where she writes: "Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." A careful and intelligent study of this definition will enable us to see that the true idea must be attained in individual consciousness. As our understanding grows, we begin to gain always clearer views of that which we previously associated largely with some material edifice.

It is true that as "the structure of Truth and Love," cannot be touched by erroneous material beliefs of any kind. Truth and Love know no financial problems, no inharmony, no jealousy, nor any aggressive mental suggestions of like nature. However, in order that this perfect Church may be manifest, and practically available to mankind, it is necessary for each one to do his part in promoting in human affairs the demonstration of that which exists divinely. Thus, in the next paragraph, Mrs. Eddy further defines "Church" as "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick." Understanding this, each member can support his church in the minutiae of his daily life.

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