VIII
TIMELY RECOGNITION
In the New York World for February 5, 1918, there appeared the following editorial:
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE NAVY
“The appointment by Secretary Daniels of a Christian Scientist as navy chaplain denotes a significant change in the public attitude toward the faith founded by Mrs. Eddy.
“Could such a selection of a spiritual adviser have been conceived of in Dewey's navy? Christian Science then and long after was anathema to the regular religious denominations of the country. Legislation was invoked to restrain it, medical societies prosecuted its practitioners and it was made to bear the brunt of a powerful opposition everywhere. Now the Government gives it full recognition and accords its readers an equal status with the ministers of other creeds. Besides the navy chaplain, there are two Christian Science chaplains in the army.
“So have the old antagonisms subsided and the earlier intolerance given way under the spirit of religious freedom. History has repeated itself once more and the new kirk has fought its way to a place alongside of the old kirk. It has been an interesting process, and the outcome is notable as an illustration of the liberalizing tendencies of modern opinion, whether religious or political.”
Such was the tolerant and friendly attitude with which the public as a whole accepted the appointment of Christian Science chaplains in the army and navy.
296
