Article October 5, 1907 Issue

THE GODS OF OUR FATHERS

M. G. KAINS, M.S.

The following incident well illustrates the fact that many people hesitate to read Christian Science literature or to discuss Christian Science with those familiar with its scope and aim because they are afraid their religious opinions may become unsettled. A devout church member, having conquered her fear of a Scientist from having had him under surveillance rather as a man than as a religionist, spent an hour asking him eager questions, all the answers to which she accepted as common sense and satisfactory; but then she asked: "If I do read Science and Health with an unprejudiced mind, as you suggest, will it shake my faith in my own church?"

The answer was given: "Christian Science will emphasize everything that is true in your religion by proving it to be so; it will teach you how to make the Sermon on the Mount practical in daily life; how, literally, to love your neighbor as yourself and God above all. These are the aims of every true Christian, and by means of Science and Health you can know instead of believe the truth about the Christian religion, no matter what denomination you belong to. If you accept and prove only those statements in Science and Health that appeal to you, and let the others alone for the time being; and if you accept no one's dictum, not even mine, a Scientist's, you will gain a satisfaction in religion you have never known before, no matter how ardent a believer you may have been."

Whether or not she is now reading Science and Health is not the purpose of our inquiry. What we are concerned with is first, the peculiar attitude that members of other sects take toward their own religion; and second, the attitude of frankness the Scientist should assume toward seekers after the truth. Probably the great majority of people who feel as did this lady, have never seen that their question implies doubt of the efficacy of their religion—doubt that the Christian religion is true! For were they sure that the God whom they profess to worship is really omnipotent and all-loving they would not fear that they might lose faith in Him. On the contrary, they would welcome opportunities to prove the falsity of everything else but God and His creation. Christian Science, on the other hand, is a religion whose votaries need not fear to examine other religions, philosophies, and sciences. Why? Because Christian Science declares the truth about God and His creation and is not trammeled by speculation and dogma, but lays these bare. Still further, Christian Science is the only religion which permits of application and proof by non-members, who are left to their own decisions as to whether it is true or not.

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