Article February 19, 1903 Issue

The Teaching of Sound Doctrine

Albert E. Miller

Oil City (Pa.) Blizzard

To the ordinary observer it is evident that Christian Science must teach sound doctrine. Its advocates are recruited largely from the ranks of those who have had the best medical care at their command, and the records of church membership in this denomination show that two thirds of its people were in good standing in other evangelical churches before adopting Christian Science as their religious belief.

The teaching of Christian Science in respect to healing the sick is identical with that of Jesus. He not only healed others, but in turn taught his followers how to heal. His promise is, "The works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do." In promising his disciples that certain signs should follow them that believed (or understood) his teaching, he designated, among other things, that "they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." The Christian Scientist cannot be blamed for trying to prove the teaching of the Bible on this point to be more than mere theory. Jesus proved it possible to apply a demonstrable understanding of God to the daily affairs of men, and he urged his followers for all time to do likewise. If prayer is not to be classed among remedial agencies, the teaching of the Bible on this point will have to be rejected. Interwoven with the teaching of both Old and New Testaments, we find the doctrine that prayer is the most effectual remedy for human want and woe. The Scripture abounds with verse and narrative wherein is set forth the necessity of appealing to the most High when in sickness or sorrow.

It should not be assumed that the Scientist enters practice without preparation. His line of study may differ from that pursued by a student in materia medica, but the standard of efficiency is none the less high, and, in addition, the Christian Scientist must needs have "clean hands and a pure heart" to bring to the suffering ones that knowledge of God's love and care which is needed to restore the sick and raise the fallen.

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