Christian Science teaches that all church building is basically spiritual. Every activity of the Church of Christ, Scientist, must have its foundation in Spirit and in the discernment of the true nature of Church. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy defines "Church" in its wholly spiritual aspect as, "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (p. 583). The activity of this universal Church is evidenced on earth in the experience of everyone who is building his life on the supremacy and allness of Spirit and who is consistently demonstrating the works of Christ in daily living.
In human affairs church membership calls for constant proof of man's spiritual nature. Such proof is clearly set forth by Mrs. Eddy in her definition of the human aspect of Church as follows (ibid., p. 583): "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
The activity and progress of each church member in fulfilling this ideal constitute true church building. The Mother Church and its branches can approximate this ideal of Christian service only as the members, individually and collectively, advance in the consecrated demonstration of the spiritual nature and individuality of true manhood. Then they exemplify the Apostle Peter's description of a true church member (I Pet. 2:5), "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
