Attempted Legislation in Iowa

JOHN L. RENDALL.

A measure recently introduced in the Iowa Legislature illustrates the necessity for careful and prayerful watchfulness upon the part of Christian Scientists. This measure was labeled, "A Bill for an Act to regulate the practice of Psychiropathy." This looked innocent enough at first glance, but investigation of the provisions of the bill led to energetic action.

Section 5 of said measure defines psychiropathy as follows: "The term psychiropathy is a compound word, derived from the Greek, the meaning of which is, treatment by the mind and hand. Thus any person employing the influence of the mind, by suggestion or otherwise, or who uses the hands by making passes, applying them to the patient, or in manipulation for curative purposes, is practising psychiropathy. Therefore, the systems of healing commonly known as mental science, divine science, . . . or any other system of drugless therapeutics other than osteopathy, are hereby declared to be the practice of psychiropathy, as within the meaning of this act."

Section 4 provided that none should practise other than those having a diploma from a legally incorporated school of psychiropathy.

While it is true that Christian Science was not specifically included in the bill, it was quite evident that the intention was to include it, and the framers of the bill thought they had done so; and as the provisions of the bill made it impossible for Christian Scientists to accept it, the necessity arose for a specific exclusion from its operation.

A Christian Scientist appeared before the Senate committee and requested that the bill be so amended as to exclude Christian Scientists, and for the following reasons: Christian Scientists are not asking for any special legislation. They are a Christian denomination who believe in the teachings of Scripture relative to healing the sick, and that said teachings are practically applicable to the needs of humanity at the present time. With them, healing the sick and the sinful is accomplished by "one and the same metaphysical process" (Science and Health, p. 210).

Herein lies the distinguishing difference between Christian Science and other so-called methods of mental operation; viz., that Christian Scientists recognize but one Mind, God, while other systems claim minds many, and attribute mind healing to the so-called laws of psychic phenomena, so that in theory and practice they are diametrically opposed one to the other.

The position taken by the promoters of this bill is one well known to Christian Scientists, who are constantly called upon to define their position. The belief of "mind in matter," sometimes designated as the "sub-conscious mind," to which some people attribute healing power, is as distinct from infinite Mind, on which Christian Scientists depend, as is darkness from light.

Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says, "To heal, in Christian Science, is to base your practice on immortal Mind, the divine Principle of man's being; and this requires a 'preparation of the heart and an answer of the lips from the Lord.' " "The Science of healing is the truth of healing. If one is untruthful, his mental state weighs against his healing power; and similar effects come from pride, envy, lust, and all fleshly vices" (Rudimental Divine Science, p. 19).

As Christian Science does not teach the methods included in the bill, and as Christian Scientists cannot accept the provision of the bill or conform to its requirements, and as Christian Science has been proven to be of inestimable benefit to hundreds of citizens of the State of Iowa, any measure which will by reason of their inability to accept its provisions deprive them of their religious rights, is necessarily unjust. It is therefore respectfully requested that the bill under consideration be so amended as specifically to exclude Christian Scientists from its operation.

We are pleased to say that the bill was killed in the committee.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

What is Christian Science?

April 16, 1904

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit