Article December 20, 1919 Issue

In the Catholic Universe there appeared an erroneous...

Harry Vandegrift—Cleveland, Ohio

Catholic Universe

In the Catholic Universe there appeared an erroneous statement relative to the teachings of Christian Science. The statement in question appeared in an editorial entitled "Christian Science a Vain Delusion," and ran as follows: "While it [Christian Science] directly attacks the basal principle of Christianity by denying the divinity of the Christ, it calls itself Christian. While it contradicts the sources and criterial of knowledge, it usurps the name of Science."

In view of the plainly published teachings of Christian Science which have now been before the public for nearly a half century, the above statement falls mightily short of a proper relationship to the fact. Christian Science does not deny the divinity of the Christ. I submit the following in refutation of the charge. The second and fourth tenets of Christian Science are as follows (Science and Health, p. 497): "We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness." "We acknowledge Jesus' atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man's unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower; and we acknowledge that man is saved through Christ, through Truth, Life, and Love as demonstrated by the Galilean Prophet in healing the sick and overcoming sin and death."

Can words be more clear and explicit on this subject? A sincere critic will not permit prejudice to warp his judgment. Men can be fair in matters to which they are opposed as well as in those with which they are in agreement. All of Mrs. Eddy's works abound in words the import of which is the diametrical opposite to those in the statement that Christian Science denies the divinity of the Christ. A Christian, according to a dictionary definition, is "one whose inward and outward life is conformed to the doctrines of Christ." Christian Scientists would emulate the master Christian in all his ways. Christian Science so teaches. I ask, Would not such a group of persons be as justly entitled to the name Christian and their claim to it as valid at least as that of others?

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