Editorial July 1, 1991 Issue

"A physician's reasons for becoming a Christian Scientist"

Allison W. Phinney, Jr.

Why would a medical doctor decide to become a Christian Scientist? More than one physician did in the early years of this century. In addition to Dr. John M. Tutt and several others, there was, for example, Dr. Edmund Burton.

Burton had been a surgeon, but he was forced to give up his medical career because of tuberculosis. The prognosis was that he wouldn't live more than a few months. He became addicted to alcohol and opium in the effort to carry on. Then he eventually tried cocaine and hypnotism in desperation.

Finally his case was pronounced hopeless. Someone suggested a Christian Science practitioner, however, and Dr. Burton's wife consented. In an article (from which the title of this editorial is taken) Dr. Burton later wrote about the healing that resulted. He explained: "A practitioner came and remained with me three hours. At the end of the first hour I was sleeping quietly and when I woke about eight o'clock in the morning it was with a clear mind and the absolute conviction, which has not changed since, that I was free and well. I asked what had been done for me, insisting that a radical change had taken place in my physical and mental condition. ... Moreover, from the day of the treatment to the present time there has never been any desire for alcohol, opium in any form, cocaine, or any other stimulant or drug." (Sentinel, February 1, 1908) Dr. Burton afterward became a Christian Science practitioner.

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