Cooperation and Efficiency

Archibald McLellan

When Christian Science was first promulgated by Mrs. Eddy it naturally provoked quite a little stir in religious and medical circles, and much criticism, not only because it differed so widely from generally accepted beliefs and theories in regard to religion and medicine, but also because its teachings, being metaphysical, were largely misunderstood by a world which had not up to that time regarded religion as demonstrable or the healing of sickness as possible except by material means. Under these circumstances this criticism was largely unfavorable, and much of it was both unjust and discourteous, so much so that Mrs. Eddy in writing of its purpose said that it would "condemn to oblivion the truth, which is raising up thousands from helplessness to strength and elevating them from a theoretical to a practical Christianity" (Science and Health, p. 341).

That this criticism was based on either ignorance or misunderstanding of the actual teachings of Christian Science did not in the least take away from its harmful character; therefore it became necessary to refute it. As a first step in this direction Mrs. Eddy incorporated in the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the chapter entitled "Some Objections Answered." Its clear and comprehensive statements provided a permanent basis for the refutation of unwarrented attacks, and Mrs. Eddy later organized a committee on publication, which should more especially and directly be responsible for the correction in current newspapers and periodicals of the misapprehensions of the teachings of Christian Science which catch the public eye and ear through the press or from the pulpit or platform.

That Christian Scientists should protest against the publication of incorrect and unjust statements, and request the privilege of correcting them, was doubtless at first surprising to newspaper editors, but the unfailing courtesy of the committees, and the kindly tone of the articles which they offered, have gradually won the day. This work was undertaken in the spirit of the wise man's counsel that "a soft answer turneth away wrath," and their Leader's admonition that "however despitefully used and misrepresented by the churches or the press, in return employ no violent invective, and do good unto your enemies when the opportunity occurs" (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 3),—all this in accordance with the teachings of the great Exemplar of Christian living. Disarming their critics lovingly and with patience, and availing themselves of every opportunity to place before the public the true standard of Christian Science living, the result of the committees' work could not be otherwise than a gradual overcoming of the prejudice of those who had mistakenly censured both the teaching and its exponents.

We recall that in a certain memorable battle even Moses needed to have his hands stayed up until the victory was won, and it is almost needless to say that as long as the necessity for the work of this committee exists, there must be cooperative action on the part of the churches in order that it may be most effective. One form which this cooperation may take has been pointed out by the manager of committees on publication, and we quote from a recent bulletin on this subject as follows:—

"For the performance of his duties, every committee on publication needs a certain amount of financial support. It may be that the primary responsibility for this support rests on the church whose readers appoint the committee, since he is spoken of in Article XXXIII, Sections 4 and 5 of the Church Manual, as being employed by that church; but the Manual also shows that his work is not particularly for the benefit of the church whose readers appoint him, nor under its direction. The benefit of his work extends throughout the state or locality in which he is to serve, as much for one church or individual Scientist as for another. In the most progressive localities, therefore, the expenses of the committee on publication are shared accordingly. Regular and definite contributions are made by all churches and societies having cards in The Christian Science Journal, ratably in proportion to the number of their members."

The work of the committees on publication was adjudged by our Leader a vital factor in defending the bulwarks of our cause. It would seem, therefore, that to provide justly and generously for its maintenance is a duty to be cheerfully taken over by Christian Scientists individually and collectively.

Archibald McLellan.

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