Progress demands that outmoded institutions either be updated or replaced by new ones more adapted to changing needs. Today's education and transportation little resemble what they were as institutions a hundred years ago.
At times the Church has been the dominant institution in Western culture, as in the Christendom of the Middle Ages. Christian denominations have in recent years been engaged in a thorough self-examination—as well they might—because of the decline in influence of the Church. The material sciences and the arts have been successfully competing for the primary allegiance of mankind because the Church has misconceived the needs it should meet. Church as Christ Jesus conceived it is a regenerating and healing force in society.
Like any activity, Church as a collective human activity should serve a useful purpose. Mrs. Eddy writes, "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."Science and Health, p. 583; Is it possible to conceive of an institutional purpose higher than this?
