Publicity

JAMES L. RICH

On several occaions I have seen in print the statement made by critics of Christian Science that its rapid growth has been the result of a well-directed publicity plan of propaganda. Christian Scientists know that this is true in a large measure, but the critics seem to stop at this point instead of going farther and learning the occasions of this publicity.

Suppose a man had a well the water of which would heal every disease in the world; that the water could not be pumped out faster than it flowed in, and that the owner knew it was impossible to exhaust the supply. Would not the average man, owning such a well, want to share his good fortune with sick humanity? While the supply of water in such a well might be large, it would be infinitesimal when compared to the supply of spiritual truth, the truth about God and His creation which heals and saves. If one could imagine mankind demonstrating the basic law of mathematics so often as to exhaust the supply, then he might imagine the supply of truth as subject to exhaustion. If one could imagine any place where the principle of mathematics is impossible of demonstration, then he might imagine a place where Christian Science would be unavailing.

Is it any wonder, therefore, that when one learns a little of Christian Science, and perceives in ever so small a degree its adaptability and universality, he is filled with rejoicing and praise? He realizes that he has truly found the "pearl of great price." And is it any wonder if such a one becomes a self-appointed committee of one on publicity, be his sphere in life ever so large or small? As the teacher's store of knowledge is not impoverished but rather replenished by imparting knowledge to his pupils, so the Christian Scientist realizes that every time he explains to some inquirer what Christian Science has done for him, telling him of its promises and their fulfilment, he not only helps his brother, but he is adding oil to his own lamp and trimming it so that he is better able to see his own way and work out his own problems. Thus too he gains an increased understanding with which to explain the truth to the next inquirer whom he may meet.

While the Christian Science church has not sent out missionaries, in the generally accepted term, to heathen lands as other Christian bodies have done, every Christian Scientist is a self-appointed missionary wherever he is or wherever he goes. Because of this there is probably not a land in the world where the seed of Christian Science has not been sown by some of its followers. And if our critics would take the trouble to investigate, they would learn that while a large proportion of our publicity comes from the well-directed efforts of our efficient executive officers in their official capacity, yet much of it emanates from the laymen. It would be difficult to say which of the following statements is nearest the truth: "Publicity is the result of growth," or "Growth is the result of publicity," because both are true. In Christian Science publicity and growth are inseparable. It is impossible to have one without the other immediately making its appearance, and this explains why publicity is such a prominent feature of the Christian Science movement.

But publicity is only an incident, and not the object, of Christian Science. It is but the natural, outspoken rejoicing and thanksgiving of a grateful membership for the blessings received, and that ofttimes after every known remedy had failed and death was believed to be impending, or when sorrow, sin, or disaster had so crushed one that life was a miserable existence and death would have been welcome. As in every movement, so in Christian Science, its growth is in proportion to the benefits received by its adherents.

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