EXAMINATION for membership in a Christian Science church is not merely to ascertain how much an applicant knows of Christian Science, but also to learn how greatly he desires to know more. Enough of what he knows may be readily ascertained by a few well-chosen questions; how earnestly he desires to know more may be estimated by his general attitude towards Christian Science, by his attendance at church services, and above all by his efforts to apply what he already knows. These two essentials for church membership, namely, the extent of his understanding and experience and his desire to progress, should be equitably considered; neither should be allowed to overshadow the other.
To make an examination an exhaustive search into the applicant's knowledge of the letter of Christian Science, while minimizing his desire to know more of its spirit, is to commit a grave mistake. The church which confronts its would-be members with a list of questions such as a teacher of Christian Science might ask an applicant for class instruction, is setting up an obstacle that may shut out many who are worthy of favorable consideration. Not only may it result in the rejection of a large proportion of those who have applied but, what is perhaps of greater importance, it discourages and prevents others from applying who have learned what lies ahead of them.
Examinations for church membership should not be of such a nature as to keep any worthy person out, but to make it possible for every worthy one to come in.
