Christian Science teaches that all church building is basically spiritual. Every activity of the Church of Christ, Scientist, must have its foundation in Spirit and in the discernment of the true nature of Church. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy defines "Church" in its wholly spiritual aspect as, "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (p. 583). The activity of this universal Church is evidenced on earth in the experience of everyone who is building his life on the supremacy and allness of Spirit and who is consistently demonstrating the works of Christ in daily living.
In human affairs church membership calls for constant proof of man's spiritual nature. Such proof is clearly set forth by Mrs. Eddy in her definition of the human aspect of Church as follows (ibid., p. 583): "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
The activity and progress of each church member in fulfilling this ideal constitute true church building. The Mother Church and its branches can approximate this ideal of Christian service only as the members, individually and collectively, advance in the consecrated demonstration of the spiritual nature and individuality of true manhood. Then they exemplify the Apostle Peter's description of a true church member (I Pet. 2:5), "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Christian Science emphasizes the importance of the continuing demonstration of unity in church building and activities. Such unity is evidenced in helpful cooperation of members with each other in the conduct of church affairs.
A church whose members commune daily and individually with God, Spirit, in the endeavor to demonstrate the true concept of church, is bound to demonstrate a progressive sense of unity and abundant fruitage in all activities. The demonstration of one's unity with God and with one's fellow men is achieved through consecrated listening for God's voice and through an eagerness to do His will as it is revealed to one in the silence of prayer.
Great is the progress of a church whose members, having individually done their preparatory work thoroughly, assemble in sacred unity for church meetings, services, lectures, and other activities. Unity of thought results in unity of action, in speaking the truth as God directs, and in keeping silence when Truth demands. Human will has no place in the conduct of church activities.
One can readily test the quality of his contribution to the welfare of the church if he examines his thoughts and actions to see that they are glorifying God and evidencing self-forgetfulness. In an article entitled "Advice to Students" Mrs. Eddy writes (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 303): "We are brethren in the fullest sense of that word; therefore no queries should arise as to 'who shall be greatest.' Let us serve instead of rule, knock instead of push at the door of human hearts, and allow to each and every one the same rights and privileges that we claim for ourselves."
It will be recalled that when Nehemiah and the Jewish people were rebuilding the wall at Jerusalem they were beset by enemies, who tried to interfere with their work. It is recorded that Nehemiah prayed and that the people were steadfast in their determination to complete their God-inspired work. Workers built with one hand and carried a weapon in the other, or had a sword girded at their side. And the trumpeter stood at Nehemiah's side, ready to sound the alarm. But there was no need for them to battle, for God prospered their unselfish work, and unity and consecration prevailed among them.
The spiritual foundation of church building, as well as its continuing progress, requires the proper evaluation of false beliefs, which may suggest themselves as hindrances to church activity and growth. The Christian Scientist's duty is to be alert to these evil suggestions which would attempt to interfere with his individual progress and the progress of his church. Whatever opposes itself to Christian Science or to the Christian Scientist is error, and error has no power to touch the individual or the church unless it is ignored or accepted as real.
Evil in any form, whether it appears to come from within the church or from without, can cause no harm to the members who build spiritually with one hand and hold a spiritual weapon of defense in the other. In this connection the Apostle Paul wrote (Gal. 5:22, 23), "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
A church whose members are growing spiritually and who are using their spiritual understanding to support and prosper church activities is a healing church, and its fruits are made manifest not only in health and well-being, but also in increasing attendance and immeasurable blessings. A church whose members are praying daily for all mankind, including the residents of their own community, is attracting to its activities and membership those who are receptive to the power of the Christ.
The members of a Church of Christ, Scientist, are entrusted with a divine mission. They are spiritually ordained of God. They have the responsibility of conducting their own affairs and the business of the church in a Christian manner and with such God-inspired wisdom that the light and warmth of Truth and Love will radiate in the community. Then, drawn by the irresistible power of the Christ, men will say as did Moses of old when he was drawn by the sight of the burning bush (Ex. 3:3), "I will now turn aside, and see this great sight." And they will remain to glorify God and learn the truth of His ever-present love and care for all of His children.
Alert Christian Scientists are awake to the Scriptural command to pray without ceasing—to keep their every thought in accord with Christ, Truth. In following this command, they are forwarding not only their own progress, but also the progress of the great mission of their churches to enlighten, to bless, and to heal all mankind. Thus they help to hasten the time when all men shall recognize and understand the true nature of Church and see its effective representation in the human institution which reveals the kingdom of heaven to be at hand and all men to be priests unto God.
In a letter to a branch church, Mrs. Eddy wrote (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 194), "Remember that a temple but foreshadows the idea of God, the 'house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,' while a silent, grand man or woman, healing sickness and destroying sin, builds that which reaches heaven."
