WORK OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION

REV. JAMES J. ROME

Outside the propaganda of Christian Science itself, there is no agency for which Christian Scientists have more reason to be grateful than that of the press. When we remember that the subject of Christian Science cannot be brought to the consciousness of any human being and leave that consciousness just where it found it, and when we remember also that there is no part of the world into the farthest nook of which the newspaper does not enter, we can readily see what a useful medium it is in helping to awaken universal thought to a knowledge of the truth.

The question as to whether Christian Science will be discussed in the columns of these papers is today hardly worth considering, since the subject has become of such public interest that no paper can afford to ignore it. It may not always be presented in the kindest and most favorable manner,—too often, indeed, there have been bitterness and injustice manifested,—but even then there is aroused a spirit of inquiry and investigation which has led many a weary heart to the source of all good, where they have health and peace. On the other hand, the fair and respectful treatment given the subject by many of our leading newspapers has stood out in bold contrast with the inconsiderate and even harsh criticisms which have come from sources from which we might have expected gentler usage.

A public newspaper cannot afford to be the mere tool of prejudice, a biased course of reasoning being objectionable to the general public. The better quality of thought claims attention, and the demand for fair play asserts itself. This higher quality of human thought soon predominates; facts and fairness are its requirements, and Christian Science asks for nothing more. In view of this momentous power of the press, and in order that Christian Science may be properly and truthfully presented through this medium, the importance of establishing some organization or method for the purpose of keeping in touch with the newspaper world can readily be seen, and such an organization is found in the Christian Science committee on publication.

The work of this committee is both varied in nature and extensive in territory. First to be considered are the leading newspapers in our larger cities. The time was when they could and did make some wild and reckless statements, such as were calculated to convey very erroneous concepts of Christian Science. Today most of the papers have learned that they have a committee on publication to reckon with, and such statements are seldom made; or, if they are, the committee sees to it that they are immediately corrected. The committee does not confine its work to the large cities, but reaches out to those of less importance and keeps guard over the reports and statements made by the press there; even the smallest papers in the outlying towns come under its watchful eye.

But, it may be asked, what is the nature of the work accomplished? In the first place, false reports are sometimes published in which Christian Science is involved. For instance, one paper printed an account of a young woman who was kept under Christian Science treatment until she died. Of course she was regarded as a victim of neglect and wrong treatment. On investigation, a member of the committee on publication discovered that no such young woman had died in the place named. The facts were that the person spoken of had gone to another part of the country some time before her decease, she had not been treated by a Christian Scientist, and had no interest in Christian Science nor any connection with it. A member of the committee then went to the office of the newspaper and asked the editor to publish a correction of the mistake.

Another member of the committee went to an editor who was very much prejudiced against Christian Science, and after a little friendly talk showed him that his prejudice was without foundation. His bitterness, which had found expression in the columns of his paper, was overcome, and he even expressed his pleasure at having been corrected. There are also attacks on Christian Science made through the papers by contributors. In these attacks false statements are made and facts are misrepresented. The falsehoods need to be refuted and the mistakes corrected in a kindly spirit, and a committee specially appointed for this work is likely to better fitted to deal with such conditions than any one else. Then, again, the columns of some papers are open for the publication of articles on Christian Science, and such articies must be furnished. All this and more is the work of the committee on publication, and there is a vast amount of it being done.

It takes time and expense to do all this, but it is well worth while. Each member of the church can have a part in this work, not only by supporting it financially, but by keeping in touch with the local paper on the one hand and with the publication committee on the other. These opportunities and privileges have been furnished us through the wisdom and forethought of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and we cannot afford to be indifferent to or delinquent in our duty to carry forward this important work.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit