Article August 14, 1902 Issue

Christian Science not Mysticism

W. D. McCrackan

New York Commercial Advertiser

Editor of Commercial Advertiser.

Sir:—Your issue of July 12 contains the review of a book which purports to deal with Christian Science, but takes refuge in describing it as "only a phase of mysticism." Such a characterization implies that the writer is not sufficiently versed in his subject to describe it accurately. Christian Scientists themselves do not find their own faith mystical. It is, on the contrary, for them exactly what its name indicates, the science which explains how the Christ life and its teachings and practice are to be interpreted, so as to be applied in our own time and in our daily affairs. The assertion is also made "that it embodies a much profounder truth than Mrs. Eddy or any of her followers realize." What warrant has any one for indulging in such an assumption who is not a Christian Scientist, and who does not profess to live according to its teachings or to practise its method of mental, moral, and physical regeneration? I find it hard to believe that any one who calls this Science "only a phase of mysticism" is in any position to inform Mrs. Eddy or other Christian Scientists concerning any profounder truth which it may embody.

The writer of this book shows lack of ordinary information when he implies that "the principle involved is the same, so far as its therapeutic value is concerned, as that of mental scientists, divine healers, and hypnotists."

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