Article January 27, 1945 Issue

The Newborn of Spirit

JOSEPH C. GOTTSCHALK

When undertaken prayerfully and lovingly and with adequate spiritual preparation, uniting with a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, indelibly marks a most important milestone in the journey Spiritward of every earnest student of Christian Science. The responsibility for clear thinking and wise guidance in this matter rests not alone with the applicant, however. Of those members of a branch church entrusted with the examination of candidates for membership, much spiritual discernment and tender, unselfed love is rightfully expected, that their meetings may give forth such light and spiritual power as to dispel any mists of timidity or of aggressiveness that might attempt to invade the thought of the examiners or the examined.

Often the applicant is unduly concerned lest he may not measure up to the standard required for church membership. True, no application should be made until one is certain that he has recognized the requirements stated by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, on page 35 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," namely, "We can unite with this church only as we are new-born of Spirit, as we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life by bringing forth the fruits of Love.—casting out error and healing the sick." Also he should be willing to accept without reservation the true concept of Church (ibid., p. 583).

Does someone ask, "Must I wait until I attain and am able to maintain in some degree, the exalted spiritual altitude of thought reached by the master Metaphysician, Christ Jesus, or that of our wise and revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, before applying for membership in a branch church?" Decidedly not, for though this uniting is a spiritually mental achievement, nevertheless it must be remembered that "we are new-born of Spirit" and "we reach the Life which is Truth and the Truth which is Life" in every demonstration of healing.

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