Synthesized answer
The provided description of Christian Science and its church serves as evidence for the claim that the closing years of centuries are marked by "more intense life, manifested in unrest or in aspiration" [1]. The passage states that the completion of the First Christian Science church in Boston is a "keynote of definite attention" [1]. Christian Science is presented as one of the "most potent factors in the social evolution of the last quarter of the nineteenth century" [1]. The text notes that this religious movement has "produced a sensation in religious circles" and called forth "the implements of theological warfare" [2]. Furthermore, it has "gained to itself adherents in every part of the civilized world" and can be seen in daily papers across towns and villages [4]. This widespread interest and impact, including opposition and theological debate, reflects the "intense life" and "unrest or aspiration" characteristic of the period.
The erection of the Christian Science church itself, described as a "prayer in stone" and a "unique structure" [1], also signifies aspiration. The movement has attracted a "large and increasing number of Christian people" who examine its principles,…
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From the book
es itself to us as one of the most potent factors in the social evolution of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. History shows the curious fact that the closing years of every century are years of more intense life, manifested in unrest or in aspiration, and scholars of special research, like Prof. Max Muller, assert that the end of a cycle, as is the latter part of the present century, is marked by peculiar intimations of man's immortal life. The completion of the first Christian Science church erected in Boston strikes a keynote of definite attention. This church is in the…
istian faith produce the same impressions upon all. Freedom to believe or to dissent is a great privilege in these days. So when a number of conscientious followers apply themselves to a matter like Christian Science, they are enjoying that liberty which is their inherent right as human beings, and though they cannot escape censure, yet they are to be numbered among the many pioneers who are searching after religious truth. There is really nothing settled. Every truth is more or less in a state of agitation. The many who have worked in the mine of knowledge are glad to welcome others who have…
to-morrow. It has cost two hundred thousand dollars, and no additional sums outside of the subscriptions are asked for. This particular phase of religious belief has impressed itself upon a large and increasing number of Christian people, who have been tempted to examine its principles, and doubtless have been comforted and strengthened by them. Any new movement will awaken some sort of interest. There are many who have worn off the novelty and are thoroughly carried away with the requirements, simple and direct as they are, of Christian Science. The opposition against it from the so-called…
, and for which the money was all paid in so that no debt had to be taken care of on dedication day, is a notable event. While we are not, and never have been, devotees of Christian Science, it becomes us as students of public questions not to ignore a movement which, starting fifteen years ago, has already gained to itself adherents in every part of the civilized world, for it is a significant fact that one cannot take up a daily paper in town or village — to say nothing of cities — without seeing notices of Christian Science meetings, and in most instances they are held at “headquarters.”…
one on, compromises have been welcomed. The erection of this temple will doubtless help on the growth of its principles. Pilgrims from everywhere will go there in search of truth, and some may be satisfied and some will not. Christian Science cannot absorb the world's thought. It may get the share of attention it deserves, but it can only aspire to take its place alongside other great demonstrations of religious belief which have done something good for the sake of humanity. Wonders will never cease. Here is a church whose treasurer has to send out word that no sums except those already…
More questions about this book
- How does the text's description of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist" as "Our prayer in stone" and "the most unique structure in any city" reflect the "wave of idealism" and "spiritual demand" the author attributes to late 19th-century America?
- The excerpt compares the emergence of Christian Science to Jonathan Edwards' "great awakening." What core characteristics or societal needs do these two movements, despite their different eras, appear to share based on the text's portrayal?
- If you were to explain the significance of Mary Baker Eddy's dedication of "Pulpit and Press" to children to a contemporary audience, what would you highlight about the early Christian Science community's values or strategies?
- Considering the newspaper clipping's enthusiastic tone and detailed description, what might have been its implicit purpose beyond merely reporting the completion of the church, and how does this connect to Christian Science being seen as a "potent factor in the social evolution"?