When you read through the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, there is no encouragement to believe that Christian faith or living or strength can be measured by simply numbering the people inside a building on Sunday morning or on a membership list.
On the other hand, you'll find evidence that Mrs. Eddy expected Christian Science to grow in healing influence and become a major moral and Christian force in the world. She wasn't alone in this expectation. Yet Mrs. Eddy obviously didn't see this growth as the result of human domination or competition. She saw it as the unfolding of God's grace and love in human lives.
Among a group of Christians like the Christian Scientists, who have seen the promise of restored primitive Christianity —healing disease and overcoming sin through scientific Christian prayer—church membership naturally stirs profound feelings of Christian love and commitment. Dullness or lack of enthusiasm regarding the spiritual promise of joining the Cause and exploring more fully this Christian healing power is not natural. Such apathy needs to be seen as a subtle and aggressive form of materialism. Giving earnest consideration to what is influencing us, and to how we commit our time and labor, can lead to profound reexamination and spiritual growth in ourselves and the churches we love.
