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By-Laws

Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.  
 —Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 230

During the coming year, authors will explore a dozen or so of the By-Laws found under the heading “DISCIPLINE, Article VIII, Guidance of Members” in the Church Manual. We hope this new series will encourage you to take a fresh look at the Manual, be inspired and guided by the divine direction these and the other By-Laws offer, and share your own insights into how following these Rules is guiding you to a fuller life practice of Christian Science. 
 —The Editors

Living Christly Love

From the February 2012 issue of The Christian Science Journal


Christ Jesus the Ensample.
He who dated the Christian era is the Ensample in Christian Science. Careless comparison or irreverent reference to Christ Jesus is abnormal in a Christian Scientist, and is prohibited. When it is necessary to show the great gulf between Christian Science and theosophy, hypnotism, or spiritualism, do it, but without hard words. The wise man saith, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” 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. A departure from this rule disqualifies a member for office in the Church or on the Board of Lectureship, and renders this member liable to discipline and, possibly, dismissal from The Mother Church.
Mary Baker Eddy, Manual of The Mother Church, Article VIII, Section 3 

How should we compare and contrast Christian Science with differing faiths or philosophies that others cherish? 

How should we react to critics of Christian Science?

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