Article April 27, 1899 Issue

Why I Became a Christian Scientist

By JACOB Y. SHANTZ

[The Mennonites are followers of Menno Simon, one of the fourteenth-century reformers who came out from the Church of Rome. In the establishment of their faith they suffered severe persecutions, but to their honor it may be said that the history of the Mennonites has never been darkened by the stains of religious intolerance or the bitterness of sectarianism, for they have always accorded to other denominations the same liberty of conscience which they have sought themselves. In a general way it may be stated that they accept the Sermon on the Mount as the foundation of their religious faith, and as a manual of daily living. The name Mennonite is synonymous with honesty, humility, kindness, simplicity, and peace. It is regarded as contrary to the teachings of the Master to engage in military service, and on the ground of religious scruples they have government exemption from the same. It is an authentic item of history that the Mennonites voiced the first public protest against slavery in the United States. —Ed.]

For fifty-seven years I was a member of the Mennonite Church, and there I served the Lord according to the light and understanding that I had, but when I found the clearer light of Christian Science, I was ready to follow it.

I was first led to investigate Christian Science by being warned against some of my neighbors who were Christian Scientists, as "dangerous people," and also through receiving pamphlets about the same time, opposing Christian Science. Then I thought it was time for me to look the matter up myself and see if what I had heard was true. So I borrowed "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker G. Eddy, and began to read, comparing it with the Bible. I soon found that what I had heard against Christian Science was not true. I also found that Science is strictly in accord with the teaching of Jesus, and that it means the practice as well as the preaching of all his gospel. I discovered that my own church, as well as all other Christian churches, preach the gospel of Jesus, but that they put only a part of it into practice. The more I prayed to know the Truth, the clearer it became to me that the healing of the sick is just as much a part of Jesus' teaching as the healing of sin, and that the Christian Church to-day should be able to fulfil both these commands, and possess this power promised to all the followers of the Christian faith.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Shepherd
April 27, 1899
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit