In 1908, when Mary Baker Eddy asked the Christian Science Board of Directors to start at once a daily international newspaper and call it The Christian Science Monitor, they were startled. And not too surprisingly! When had a religious organization established a non-denominational publication to cover the news—a publication that sets a high ethical standard and provides its readers with top-flight journalism and a solutions-oriented approach to the problems of the world?
What is it about the theology of Christian Science that makes publishing the Monitor both logical and necessary? Further, what might Christian Scientists see more clearly of Christian Science theology and practice, so deeply rooted in Scripture, that would impel them to subscribe to the Monitor, since only a minority of the members of the Christian Science church do so?
The Hebrew Scriptures have a long history of spiritual seers from Moses to David to Jeremiah, to name a few. Despite their shyness, self-doubt, and, in some cases, modest lineage and position, God thrust these individuals into wrestling with questions of fairness, justice, honesty, integrity, and governance. While these seers and prophets often wanted to shrink from speaking and acting on social issues, not once did God allow them to go off and enjoy some sort of spiritual bliss in glorious isolation. In fact, the Hebrew Scriptures promote a singular love of and obedience to God, expressed through unflinching engagement with and commitment to the world.
