Do Christian Scientists Ignore the Material Universe?

Alfred Farlow

Greensburg (Pa.) Star

Scarcely a criticism appears on the subject of Christian Science which does not include an allegation to the effect that Christian Science teaches that all creation is an illusion, and that man has no body.

This erroneous belief regarding the premise of Christian Science leads to ridiculous conclusions. This Science does not teach the unreality of any perceptible thing, but raises the question as to what it really is. It is not the phenomena of nature which are denied by Christian Science, but the humanized, material sense of them. Christian Science interprets the nature and consistency of creation from a spiritual view-point and teaches one to know it as God made it, and as it appears to Him. No one can deny that the human mind falls short of a true conception of things in proportion as it lacks development and perfection.

Some have said, "Do you mean to tell me that the body, with all its wonderful organism, and the beauties of nature are unreal?" We answer, "If one could see them as they really are they would appear as much more wonderful and beautiful than they now seem as infinitude is greater than our present degree of comprehension. If in our present blinded material condition, we are able to recognize to a degree the wonders of God and His manifestation, what must we behold in them when the veil of ignorance, superstition, mystification, false sense has all disappeared and we are able to perceive with the clear and perfect spiritual vision characteristic of the image and likeness of God?

As a matter of fact, a Christian Scientist, having some insight into the spirituality of God's creation, beholds in nature a new beauty and satisfaction. As one grows spiritually, the things on earth will not disappear, but will become more vivid, even as an object beheld through a veil presents fairer and stronger outlines when the covering is lifted. The perishable, imperfect things which we now view will be discerned in all their spirituality, beauty, and perfection as our erroneous, human concepts disappear. Nature will be seen bearing the imprint of the divine Mind, the Supreme Being. Paul seems to have had this idea when he said, "For if that which was done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious."

Following the erroneous belief that Christian Scientists ignore the universe, comes the accusation that they ignore sin and disease, the natural accompaniments of the human concept of creation. Such a charge, however, is not based upon Christian Science, but upon the belief of the critic, that the universe is material. The Christian Scientist recognizes that materiality, sin, and disease must be overcome by spiritual growth. He is well aware that one cannot walk away from these, cannot dispose of them by simply denying their existence save when this denial includes a refusal to think or act them. They are mental conditions, temptations of the human mind which must be battled down and overcome by the activity of Truth; hence the practice and endeavor of the Christian Scientist to rid himself of these by grappling with them and eliminating them from his own life.

Again, on the basis of Christian Science, one would not remain in filth, because he knows that the law of Spirit is more conducive to health than sanitary measures. One who is elevated in mind could not be contented with anything less than cleanliness of body. If the entire population of the world were thoroughly imbued with the exalted teaching of Christian Science, a condition of cleanliness would prevail far superior to anything which the earth has ever known; and our friends who, together with Christian Scientists, are extremely interested in sanitary improvements, will do well to inspire mankind with the pure teaching of this Science. A Christian Scientist does not need to be urged to keep clean; he cannot retain his exalted consciousness of the spiritual reality without practising accordingly and therefore departing from all evil and uncleanliness; moreover, a clean condition is nearer the spiritual than a filthy state and is therefore more in accord with true Christian Science practice.

Critics should patiently wait until they are able to perceive that which Christian Science gives in place of that which it repudiates. Then they would be pleased and satisfied, rather than provoked by its teaching. This Science gives back to us the very thing which it takes away, but presents it in a more glorified form.

Alfred Farlow.
Greensburg (Pa.) Star.

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