Article January 29, 1903 Issue

Declaring the Truth

Alfred Farlow

Newton (Mass.) Graphic

Mr. Editor:—Your masked correspondent on the subject of Christian Science ends his essay by declaring "Christian Science denies the plain truths of the Bible. It is neither Christian nor Scientific, is out of harmony with the fundamental principles of logic and common sense, and contrary to the experiences of human existence." This Science has been discovered by Mrs. Eddy in the teachings of Christ. It is Christian because its teaching and practice are in strict accord with Christ. It is spiritually Scientific because its basic lesson is the Scriptural teaching, "God is Spirit." It is logical, because every statement contained in the Christian Science text-book, Science and Health, is a consistent deduction from its premise.

Our critic declares his intention not to omit anything that would change the sense quoting from the Christian Science text-book, and yet some of the quotations which he has given, without their context, afford a very imperfect sense of Christian Science. Such is his quotation in respect to bathing and rubbing. Mrs. Eddy condemns these as hygienic methods, but she declares, "Cleanliness is next to godliness," and that "bathing should be for the sole purpose of keeping the body clean." Are Christian Scientists less clean in mind and body than other classes?

If our critic quoted from Science and Health for the sole purpose of giving a fair, unbiased meaning of it, why did he not quote more extensively and without comment? Did he believe that his comments would make the book more clear? or on the contrary, did he believe that by his peculiar method of making quotations and comments he could make the book to appear ridiculous? I would assure him that if Christian Science were what he represents it to be, it would be as offensive to its adherents as it is to him, and it is to be regretted that he does not make sure of his understanding before he attempts to teach this Science. We repeat what we have often declared, that it is as impossible for one to understand this Science sufficiently present it correctly to others without first having been a successful practitioner, as it is to teach mathematics without first having a wide experience in the solution of mathematical problems. Whatever our critic may assume, Christian Science is indeed a Science, and must be so treated in order to be understood.

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