In one of the latest dictionaries, a specialist is defined as "one who devotes himself to one subject, or to one particular branch of a subject or pursuit; especially, a medical practitioner who devotes his attention to a particular class of diseases, etc." (New Century Dictionary). In the primary sense of this term, therefore, the best Christian Scientists are specialists; they devote themselves to the one subject, Christian Science. Evidently, also, a Christian Scientist is not a specialist in the medical sense of this term. There are also points to be considered in connection with the meaning of this word.
In the first place, no inquirer into Christian Science and no adherent of this religion should be content with a merely general knowledge of what it includes and teaches. Every inquirer and especially every adherent should aim and prepare to acquire a particular acquaintance with its fundamental teachings. Then he should continually endeavor to develop and extend his understanding. He should insist on becoming an intelligent and progressive student of this subject, which contains the utmost promise for individual and universal welfare. In short, this religion should become his specialty; in respect to it, he should become a specialist.
It is equally important that every inquirer into Christian Science and every adherent of this religion should practice or use what he learns. Indeed, learning and using are reciprocal factors for attainment and progress in connection with such a subject. These factors are component parts of the process which results in complete manhood or the individual expression of divine Principle. One must demonstrate his acquirement of arithmetic or any exact subject as he learns it; he must do this in order to learn more. Even so must one demonstrate or manifest his acquisition of spiritual characteristics and spiritual sense. Furthermore, learning and using are likewise inseparable for the purpose of giving as well as getting, and nothing is more important to getting than giving.
