Article October 4, 1924 Issue

For a critic to infer that the term "Christian Science" is...

Hugh Stuart Campbell,—Chicago

Avondale Sunlight

For a critic to infer that the term "Christian Science" is a misnomer is in itself illogical. Let Mrs. Eddy explain why she named her discovery of the Christ-method of metaphysical healing "Christian." She writes, "I named it Christian, because it is compassionate, helpful, and spiritual" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 25). The term "Science" may be defined as exact knowledge. Speaking of this word, Mrs. Eddy says: "Sneers at the application of the word Science to Christianity cannot prevent that from being scientific which is based on divine Principle, demonstrated according to a divine given rule, and subjected to proof" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 341). In the combined words "Christian Science" we have a correct definition of a system which elucidates accurately the knowledge of God, and present this knowledge in a Christianly practical manner. This being true, could any names be more fitting than those Mrs. Eddy selected to proclaim to the world the momentous fact that God, through His Christ, is now revealed as a healing and saving power? Those who are familiar with the teachings of Christian Science do not find the Bible "a mass of contradictions from beginning to end," as our critic avers. Rather, do they find that the Scriptures become illumined, and that the promises of God contained therein are being fulfilled in human experience. Jesus said of those who doubted his mission, even when observing his mighty works of healing, "And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?" Christian Science continues to prove that it has lost none of its healing and saving efficacy; and these proofs are so pronounced that no skepticism, intolerance, or misrepresentation of any name or nature can shake this religion from the rock on which it is founded,—the rock, Christ.