A branch Church of Christ, Scientist, that wholeheartedly practices the democratic process gains unity of purpose and strength in collective efforts to meet the challenges facing twentieth-century Christians. But there is far more to active church membership than merely adhering to regular democratic procedures and working together.
Christian Science brings a whole new perspective to democratic action. To understand, even in a degree, that there is only one Mind, God, helps to wipe out the effects of the belief that there are many conflicting wills and opinions. This understanding, which comes through heartfelt prayer, so clears the atmosphere of thought that the divine Mind's individual guidance of each member becomes apparent. The effects are salutary. Unanimous decisions are often reached. Those who may have been in a minority and who may have held adamantly to certain opinions often find themselves naturally seeing a different point of view. Or the majority may come to see things from a new perspective and change their position to the minority view. This winnowing process may come about through our listening to various points made in an open church meeting, but underlying it is the quiet prayer of each individual church member's yearning to have one Mind made manifest.
If unity of action in church is so obviously desirable, what sometimes seems to obstruct it? What are some of the attitudes of thought that make up religious rigidity? How can they be challenged and disposed of?
