Article May 11, 1946 Issue

Challenging Universal Indifference

THOMAS E. HURLEY

In her inspiring letter to The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, the beloved Leader of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 248), "You go forth to face the foe with loving look and with the religion and philosophy of labor, duty, liberty, and love, to challenge universal indifference, chance, and creeds."

While this declaration of purpose was written to the Board of Lectureship, every student of Christian Science may well take it to heart, ponder it, and strive to exemplify it in his daily life. To the extent that he succeeds in this high purpose not only will his experience be progressive and abundantly fruitful, but he will be a beacon light for those "millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert," who, Mrs. Eddy says, "are waiting and watching for rest and drink" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 570).

In her use of the term "universal indifference," Mrs. Eddy exposes one of error's claims to reality arguing in each individual human consciousness. The student of Christian Science may often be tempted to think of indifference as applying to those who are not students of this Science, but this is only a cloak under which indifference is claiming to lurk in his own thinking. So he may well start with a little self-examination. Is he indifferent towards his own spiritual progress? Has he become indifferent towards daily study of the Lesson-Sermon or perhaps in regard to church attendance and the giving of testimonies? Is he indifferent towards subscribing to and reading the Christian Science periodical literature? What is his attitude towards attendance at Christian Science lectures? Has he allowed himself to become indifferent towards his neighbor—towards those in his experience who may be interested in finding out about Science, or who may be in need of its healing ministry?

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