As Christian Scientists give thought to challenges facing their movement today, it is imperative that they reaffirm Mary Baker Eddy's leadership and understand it more deeply. Her followers acknowledge her place as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. But do they pay sufficient heed to the fact that in both capacities she was and remains their Leader? Mrs. Eddy's work in founding the movement was as indispensable a phase of her leadership as the discovery of Christian Science itself.
The very founding of the Christian Science movement and its institutional structure, taken as a whole, constitutes a most impressive and far-reaching demonstration of the truth Mrs. Eddy discovered. Clearly, the ongoing need for rededication to the purpose of the Christian Science movement challenges us to gain a deeper understanding of what made this demonstration possible.
Such an understanding requires much prayerful thought. It cannot be gained casually. Nor can it be gained by making Mrs. Eddy the object of a sentimental effusiveness that she neither sought nor welcomed. But she did welcome, indeed she required, a true understanding of her mission and character on the part of her followers.
