Article September 20, 1900 Issue

The Bible and Christian Science

Hermann S. Hering

The News

To the Editor of The News:—I desire to reply to the questions asked by "Inquirer" in your issue of August 25 concerning the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy. It is not my province nor my intention to enter into a controversy with any one, but it may be well for me to allude to a few points in connection with "Inquirer's" questions.

"Inquirer" says, "Now it is a fact which needs no further proving that the Holy Scriptures are written in a style so plain and simple that even when speaking on the sublimest subject a child may grasp their meaning." This statement is remarkable in view of the fact that many of our Saviour's sayings and parables, St. Paul's intricate doctrinal writings, many of the Psalms, the prophecies, and especially the Apocalypse, have puzzled the deepest thinkers. There is one thing upon which all theologians and Bible students agree, and that is the obscurity of most of the Bible language and the need for interpretation, and it is also admitted by all that there must be a spiritual meaning back of the Bible language. It is because of the different interpretations that the many hundred religious sects and denominations have arisen. If the Bible language is "so plain and simple," why are there so many interpretations and why are there so many agnostics and infidels among the most intelligent and cultured classes? As your correspondent's premise is therefore wrong, his conclusions are necessarily wrong and therefore valueless throughout.

If the language of Science and Health "is so complicated and mystical as to be, in most parts, beyond comprehension," as "Inquirer" asserts, how is it that there are nearly two hundred thousand copies in circulation, and that at present about two thousand copies are issued each month and also that there are now a half million believers in Christian Science who read and understand this text-book of the denomination? As a matter of fact, I want to say that children understand Christian Science very readily and are able to heal. This may seem strange to "Inquirer," but when we remember that Jesus said, "I thank Thee, O Father, ... because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes," we can see that it is the pure, childlike thought, devoid of self-righteousness, that is capable of receiving spiritual Truth. Little children, as a rule, are more humble, loving, and teachable, not being wrapped up in materialism and sin as older folks are, and therefore they are better able to perceive the spirit of Truth, which Jesus said could come only when we "become as little children."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

In Reply to Professor Riddell