The problems of democratic living challenge every Christian Scientist. A unique privilege is the demonstration of democratic government in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, as required in the Manual of The Mother Church by our Leader, Mrs. Eddy. Each member of a branch church has an individual opportunity to learn the spiritual basis of democratic government through prayer and study of the Bible and our Leader's writings. And he has an individual responsibility to apply his spiritual understanding to the issues of democratic government in his branch church.
Inspiration for democratic action may be found in the words and works of Christ Jesus. More than all others, he discerned man's true, spiritual status as a child of God. This enabled him to prove the impartiality of God's love for all His children. On this basis he demonstrated the brotherhood of men.
Jesus' precepts show mankind how to prove in human affairs the universality and impartiality of divine Love. For example, the scientific understanding of his statement, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God," Matt. 5:8; unfolds love for the eternal Father-Mother God and reveals that His children, spiritual and free, are truly created equal. Other beatitudes emphasize such qualities as meekness, humility, and patience, which enable men to be just and kind to one another.
