CHRISTIAN SCIENCE differs from other religious systems in that it works from a purely spiritual basis, but it is not for that reason less active or less practically operative in present human affairs. At times, however, from the law-abiding and somewhat reticent attitude which its adherents maintain, the notion gets abroad that its practice consists in a passing-by-on-the-other-side state of mind whenever political agitation presents itself.
If those social reformers and philanthropists who are inclined to look upon students of Christian Science as somewhat lukewarm respecting the burning questions of the day, would investigate the Principle and rules of this Science, they would feel satisfied that its students are indeed taking their part in the betterment of humanity, in helping onward the destruction of vice and the enthronement of virtue. If they do not join the ranks of the many societies and fraternities of the present day, it is only because they feel they are learning to bring about good results more surely by more direct means.
One of the most serious social questions of modern times is the world woman-movement, woman awakening in every quarter of the globe to claim her moral and civil rights, with the result that while the mortal nature of the genus man remains much as it was in the past, there are now as many types of woman abroad as there are plants in a market-garden,—the social, the domestic, the frivolous, the ecclesiastic, the academic, the athletic, the philanthropic, the political, the artistic, the business, the professional, and many others. Woman has ceased to be the slave of feudal ages or the saint of medieval chivalry, and is judged very largely by her own talents and her worth as an individual. These changes have come about chiefly through education, and such Christianity as the world has been able to understand and apply. Christianity alone will continue to advance the status of woman, and only by this means can she hope to make any enduring progress.
