Thursday, February 18, 2010

"If you have tears, prepare to shed them now."

The largely successful desire to materialize The Church of Christ, Scientist, the Church Manual, and the administration of Mother Church affairs are in no small measure responsible for the Church's steady decline since 1910. This decay spread to branch churches as well, where there has also been, not surprisingly perhaps, spiritual desiccation and withering. Pride in edifices, personal status, and office, coupled with some old-fashoned cupidity and lust for power have, it would seem, set a comfortable and self-serving standard for the ambitious. The BOD's shameful playing of footsie with the Harvard Medical School a few years ago is only one example of this sorry behavior. Horoscopes, eriscopes, and Meow Mix are another, though somewhat shabbier, QED. One must be alert to the self-willed actions of moral prestidigitators who cynically employ out-and-out, but artfully gussied up, mendacities and tergiversations--on those occasions when one gets anything. Loyal Scientists might differ on the degree to which the above is true, or even deny it, but only a naif living in Pollyannaland could say it ain't so any more than "Shoeless Joe" Jackson could.

The catalyst for this mini-jeremiad was the Special Edition (February 2010) of Andrew Hartsook's "The Banner". Those who are familiar with "The Banner" are probably already aware of this issue, but others may view him as an unrepentant troublemaker. Except, maybe, for a few niggling jots and tittles his many newsletters have never to my knowledge been substantively refuted. He has been excommunicated by the Mother Church because he is a damned pest, not for irresponsible or inflammatory statements or actions. His facts are seldom reliably disputed, except for the facts of failing to praise the emperor's new clothes each time he outfits himself with a new wardrobe or, better, simply refusing to shut up. Others have tried to make legal headway on the issue discussed in the newsletter, but have been quashed in their temerity. There is good reason to believe, however, that this serious matter isn't just the vindictivenes of a few malcontents, sore losers, and crazies with too much time on their hands. It is a chilling tale that at least deserves a fair and thoughtful hearing, as well as our prayers.

Mrs.Eddy obviously knew that even as she breathed the sometimes poisoned New England air, materiality, materialism, had spread its tendrils into the ranks of the faithful. Some succumbed, some didn't. Each loyal and sincere Christian Scientist has a duty to "not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind." (Manual, p. 42) Period. This doesn't mean starting petty Hatfields versus the McCoys feuds over every holler of disagreement, but neither does it mean that a minority of even one must resign himself to agreeing with, conforming to, or supporting what he feels is wrong. A false, convenient peace only seals in the dry rot. Hauteur and Olympian disregard of the letter or spirit of any demand of the Church Manual are not likely to promote a vibrant and healing Church or reverse its sliding further into irrelevancy and obscurity. Sans refulgent and permeating Christliness in The Church of Christ, Scientist, even Satan wouldn't pick over the husks that would remain.

Note: A reader questioned the meaning of "Jealous Broodings" (the second entry before this one). Jealous as in "vigilant in guarding something". Broodings was indicative of the somber tone. It was, in part, a personal lament.

19 comments:

L. R. said...

I have to say Bravo on this one. I admire your speaking up on this vital topic. I just read the Hartsook special letter and it is sobering.
Thanks for doing this blog post,

London (UK) said...

This is going to get a lot of reads I would think, and I'm ringing up a couple of friends right now to tell them not to miss this offering.
Thanks!

close to Boston said...

A much-needed essay you've done here. I don't take the Hartsook thing but a fellow church member does, and I'll ask her to bring it Sunday. Can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

Good for you, blogger, and for anyone else who cares enough about our great Cause to defend it, to speak out against the wrongs being done to it.

California CS said...

Blessings upon you, Christian, for doing this blog post. Well put!

Patrick said...

My favorite CS blogger has hit the bulls-eye on this one!

Hartford, CT said...

Very well thought out and put into words, as you always seem to do.
A wonderful day to you, Christian!

NYC said...

Right on. Doesn't our Leader say that Christian Science will not be popular with worldlings? How could it possibly be? And the misguided efforts to make it so have wreaked so much havoc with the Church.
Thanks for saying what you've said.

CS (Australia) said...

Thanks for the wonderful work you are doing in this world, and thanks too for explaining that "Jealous broodings" bit.

Appreciation from AZ said...

From whence your title? Most arresting, certainly draws your readers in. Many memorable sentences in this one.

Susan said...

Like that part about needing more Christliness in our churches. Nothing less than becoming more like our great Master will attract people who would benefit from Mrs. Eddy's discovery. At least, this is what I think about it.
Thanks much,

Nameless, like you said...

I'm not a fan of the Banner in most cases, but I do think this special issue has merit, and I'm thinking of sending in a little money.
Enjoy your blog!

Lafayette, LA said...

You're not my favorite blogger for nothing. Head and shoulders above the rest of the CS writing I see out here.

E. W. said...

Really admire your talent and always look forward to the subject you're inspired to write on.
Keep up the fine work!

Midwest said...

A most interesting offering in your latest. If all the efforts to reform the wrongdoers hasn't worked until now, why get involved with the Banner project, that is, send money for a lawsuit? Just honestly wondering what your thoughts on this are.
(Just received my copy.)

Southern CA said...

Someone else asked this, but what does your title come from? Sounds familiar but can't think where I've read it.
Really like your blog.

Anonymous said...

You're the best, blogger. Love the way you think and write. So clear.

Cambridge said...

Finely crafted and presented, Christian. A delightful experience reading your essays.

Thanks (CS - TX) said...

You show such devotion to the Cause we all love, and I appreciate your efforts to wake people up and make them think more deeply, certainly to pray about the serious issues facing us.