Editorial May 10, 1947 Issue

Some Observations About Class Teaching

John Randall Dunn

Answering a question as to whether Mary Baker Eddy approved of class instruction in Christian Science, her secretary, Adam Dickey, replied as follows (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 240): "Yes! She most assuredly does, when the teaching is done by those who are duly qualified, who have received certificates from the Massachusetts Metaphysical College or the Board of Education, and who have the necessary moral and spiritual qualifications to perform this important work. Class teaching will not be abolished until it has accomplished that for which it was established; viz., the elucidation of the Principle and rule of Christian Science through the higher meaning of the Scriptures."

That this classwork is a sacred and joyous experience thousands of grateful Christian Scientists will attest; but both teacher and prospective pupil should earnestly pray for heavenly guidance before embarking on this holy enterprise. Class instruction may be had only once with a loyal teacher, and the pupil should pray for wisdom in the selection of his preceptor in Science just as the teacher must know that divine intelligence is guiding him in his choice of pupils. Section 2 of Article XXVI of the Manual of The Mother Church gives definite instruction to the teacher as to his selection of pupils. In fact, careful reading of and conforming to the Manual By-Laws relative to class instruction, given under the caption "Teaching Christian Science," are commended to all interested in this important work.

A By-Law easily and often unwittingly violated by those who are not awake to its implications is Section 5 of Article XXVII. It reads: "Members of The Mother Church who are authorized by its By-Laws to teach Christian Science, shall not solicit, or cause or permit others to solicit, pupils for their classes. No member of this Church shall advise against class instruction."

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