The validity of Christian healing and of its reforming influence in the world has never been verified merely by the popularity of religion or by the number of people attending a church. If we look back at the advent of Christianity, it's clear that Christ Jesus didn't depend on how many people were ready to commit themselves fully to his teachings in order to validate somehow the real significance or value of his God-given mission. Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health: "The 'man of sorrows' was in no peril from salary or popularity. Though entitled to the homage of the world and endorsed pre-eminently by the approval of God, his brief triumphal entry into Jerusalem was followed by the desertion of all save a few friends, who sadly followed him to the foot of the cross." Science and Health, p. 42.
As we follow Jesus' example, we must walk in the direction God designates despite the pulls and pushes of popularity, fashion, and social trends. Instead of reacting to people's opinions or looking for human approval, we can recognize that genuine progress, as well as true religion, has a totally spiritual basis.
The success of the Church of Christ, Scientist, then, isn't in any way measured numerically or by popularity. The Comforter, Divine Science, is not cyclical, or limited to specific eras; it presents timeless truth, always present to heal and redeem through the power of Christ. As we recognize this constant, impersonal activity of Christ, Truth, transforming us individually as well as changing the world, we will find ourselves hungering to discover what God is actually causing us and His Church to be, rather than lingering in the shallows of personal belief.
