Christian Science demands frank and honest facing of the human need and equally bold application of the spiritual remedy. Meeting the human need requires that the Christian Scientist understand a vital factor, namely, the context of general thought within which the stranger views this Science.
The society in which we live is shaped by the convictions cherished by its citizens. National and state legislation, court decisions, the administrative rulings and procedures of welfare agencies and schools—all reflect public attitudes. In many instances public policies are the outward manifestation of attitudes, ideals, and even stereotyped thinking that have their roots far back in history. These concepts often play a crucial role in the stranger's approach to recognition of Christian Science.
Relatively few people consider themselves theologians. But theology and theological convictions, consciously or unconsciously, daily exert an active influence on the attitudes of millions of people. Theology seeks to relate insights into the nature of God with what is going on in the world. The way an individual views his own relationship to government and society is often determined by his religious education or background. His view of the proper relationship of others to government and society is likewise very often an outgrowth of underlying theological or philosophical considerations. We cannot understand the world we live in and deal effectively with resistance to Christian Science unless we are alert to the nature of the resistance.
