Article September 20, 1930 Issue

In a sermon printed in your issue of May 31, the clergyman...

Francis Lyster Jandron, Committee on Publication for the State of Michigan,—South Haven

Daily Tribune

In a sermon printed in your issue of May 31, the clergyman made some references to Christian Science which require correction. Christian Science does not teach, as he appears to believe, that sin is to be blandly ignored. On the contrary, it teaches that sin must be and can be overcome through repentance and reformation. This possibility of reformation of itself points to the ultimate unreality of sin, but it certainly does not warrant moral blindness or laxity. Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, made this very clear throughout her writings; and the regenerating effects of her teachings on the lives of those who apply them conscientiously are a sufficient proof of the fact that Christian Science neither ignores nor condones offenses against civil, moral, or spiritual law. The tenets of Christian Science contain this pointed statement (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 497; Manual, p. 15): "We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."

No one who has made a sincere study of the teachings of Christian Science, or who has taken the trouble to observe the lives of Christian Scientists, is likely to be impressed by the preacher's assertion that it is based on selfishness, and is akin to certain Oriental religious beliefs. A religion which enables its adherents to overcome sickness more effectively, to wrestle with sin more willingly, to love their neighbors more devotedly, and to lead brighter and more useful lives, tells a story which is not easily misunderstood.

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