Article February 25, 1905 Issue

If other demoninations never failed in what they consider...

C. F. Hackett

Utica (N. Y.) Press

If other demoninations never failed in what they consider their God-given means of reformation, or if there never were failures on the part of other systems of healing, the objection to the failures of Christian Scientists might be a valid one. But in view of the still deplorable plight of humanity and the manifest ineffectiveness of the efforts of men to resist evil of all forms, it must be acknowledged that there is something wrong with present methods, at least to the extent of withholding uncharitable criticism.

Christian Scientists account for failures in much the same way that Jesus accounted for the failure of his disciples in a certain case. He said that it was because of their "unbelief," their lack of the faith which comes of knowledge. It is said even of Jesus that in certain localities he did not many mighty works, "because of their unbelief." He did not indicate that there was any unwillingness or inability on the part of divine power and goodness, but that there was a lack of spirituality on the part of those who needed his aid. These same reasons may explain the failures of Christian Scientists to heal every case to-day. They are not yet far enough advanced in Christian knowledge to preclude all failures. We freely admit that these occur, and do not claim that the moment a person becomes a Christian Scientist he becomes immune from all earthly troubles. Far from it. But we believe that as a body of people we are sick less frequently than others; are sick for a shorter period when we are sick, and have a better time during this undesirable experience. As one has aptly put it, we do not think that we are better than other people, but that we are better than we were. The laborer becomes a better laborer, the mechanic a better mechanic, the business man a better business man, etc.; and more than that, they all experience better health. Our lives and the lives of our friends and families are as dear to us as their own lives and those of their friends and families are to others, and we believe, and with good reason, that we and they are safer in the hands of God than in the hands of any earthly power.

C. F. Hackett.
Utica (N. Y.) Press.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

If other demoninations never failed in what they consider...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access