Article May 6, 1905 Issue

Demonstration versus Speculation

REV. CHARLES D. REYNOLDS.

THOSE critics of Christian Science who contend that good and evil are co-related and so blend into one another that no clear separation is possible, need to have it pointed out to them that such a conclusion rests upon false dualistic premises and that no amount of reasoning from this standpoint can give them the needed information. Before they can become informed on the subject of Christian Science, they must change their standpoint and adopt the right premise. Then, proceeding logically, they will learn that the facts concerning real existence must be learned through demonstrations, not abstractions.

What has greatly perplexed thoughtful men is this: Even when we have discovered the truth, how may we know that it is the truth? By its fruits. By what it accomplishes in freeing from untoward conditions, ignorance, superstition, fear, unrest. By removing whatever envelops in mystery, incapacitates, binds, limits, fetters with sorrow or suffering. If truth is the element that makes us free, that which binds and enslaves must be its opposite, error, He who speaks from the standpoint of experience cannot doubt that Christian Science is the truth; neither is there any doubt that the world is in a ferment of unrest, and is even now in the process of throwing off its dualistic concept of being, because it cannot demonstrate its proposition; while Christian Scientists do demonstrate their proposition with ever-increasing satisfaction and joy. Religion is becoming spiritual and practical. Dogmatism is no longer needed to insure safety and stability in religion. We are learning to walk by sight, not blind faith. As theology and philosophy are being purified of the dross of semi-materialistic concepts, we rest upon the one foundation, which is God, and our eye grows single, — illumined with the divine glory. Then we shall know the truth by what it has done, and is doing for us, and vapid speculation will have ceased.

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