The growth of Christian Science is properly marked by the erection of a
visible house of worship in this city, which will be dedicated tomorrow.
It has cost $200,000, and no additional sums outside of the
subscriptions are asked for. This particular phase of religious belief
has impressed itself upon a large and increasing number of Christian
people, who have been tempted to examine its principles, and doubtless
have been comforted and strengthened by them. Any new movement will
awaken some sort of interest. There are many who have worn off the
novelty and are thoroughly carried away with the requirements, simple
and direct as they are, of Christian Science. The opposition against it
from the so-called orthodox religious bodies keeps up a while, but after
a little skirmishing, finally subsides. No one religious body holds the
whole of truth, and whatever is likely to show even some one side of it
will gain followers and live down any attempted repression.
Christian Science does not strike all as a system of truth. If it did,
it would be a prodigy. Neither does the Christian faith produce the
same impressions upon all. Freedom to believe or to dissent is a great
privilege in these days. So when a number of conscientious followers
apply themselves to a matter like Christian Science, they are enjoying
that liberty which is their inherent right as human beings, and though
they cannot escape censure, yet they are to be numbered among the many
pioneers who are searching after religious truth. There is really
nothing settled. Every truth is more or less in a state of agitation.
The many who have worked in the mine of knowledge are glad to welcome
others who have different methods, and with them bring different ideas.
It is too early to predict where this movement will go, and how greatly
it will affect the well established methods. That it has produced a
sensation in religious circles, and called forth the implements of
theological warfare, is very well known. While it has done this, it may,
on the other hand, have brought a benefit. Ere this many a new project
in religious belief has stirred up feeling, but as time has gone on,
compromises have been welcomed.
The erection of this temple will doubtless help on the growth of its
principles. Pilgrims from everywhere will go there in search of truth,
and some may be satisfied and some will not. Christian Science cannot
absorb the world's thought. It may get the share of attention it
deserves, but it can only aspire to take its place alongside other great
demonstrations of religious belief which have done something good for
the sake of humanity.
Wonders will never cease. Here is a church whose treasurer has to send
out word that no sums except those already subscribed can be received!
The Christian Scientists have a faith of the mustard-seed variety. What
a pity some of our practical Christian folk have not a faith approximate
to that of these "impractical" Christian Scientists.
(_Jackson Patriot_, Jackson, Mich. January 20, 1895.)