Editorial June 9, 1956 Issue

THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY

Helen Wood Bauman

Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XXIII, Sect. 10), "In Christian Science each branch church shall be distinctly democratic in its government, and no individual, and no other church shall interfere with its affairs." This rule provides special and valuable opportunities, as well as responsibilities, for branch church members. It acknowledges equal voting rights to all those governed, the right to discuss measures under consideration fairly, the right to criticize, and it assures the protection of the minority.

A truly democratic spirit in the governing of a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, is the effect of spiritual growth on the part of the members. The attainment of this good spirit means that the members have given up human will in large measure and are willing meekly to let God's will be done. But God's will is not proved in human affairs through any sense of apathy or fatalism, through wishful hoping for the best, or through passive thinking, which lets error control mentally.

God's will is a positive force, as Christian Science reveals, an inexorable, divine law, which brings about the highest good in every circumstance. When the spirit of democracy abounds in a branch church, the members are seen working diligently to demonstrate intelligence, which evidences God's will and proves the presence of His wisdom-governed kingdom. Each individual has his own consciousness to attend to, and he should be found communing with divine Principle, seeking the Father's control and not trying to influence the personal opinions of others. A free exchange of views, however, is a fundamental of democratic government.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Notices
June 9, 1956
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit