Sometimes the question is asked, "Why does one who firmly believes in Christian Science defer uniting with The Mother Church and a Christian Science branch church or society in his community?" The replies vary. One person feels that he has not yet progressed sufficiently in understanding and applying the teachings. Another believes that, before uniting with a church, he must be an experienced Christian Scientist. Another, perhaps, does not appreciate the value of organized effort. Yet another fears to be asked to talk with the examining committee. Still another has thought little on the subject of membership benefits.
He who feels that he has not progressed sufficiently may have overlooked Mrs. Eddy's provision for one who loves Christian Science, one who is "a believer" in its doctrines. (See application blank and Article IV, Section 1, of the Church Manual.) This By-Law appears to encourage the person who is thoroughly convinced of the truth of Christian Science and wishes to know more of its teachings and to practice them.
The one who feels that he must be experienced before joining a church has failed to realize that experience in branch churches is like a schooling —all sorts of problems must be determined and adjusted, the activities of the church must be handled as the result of demonstration; in other words, the experience is one of progress.
