Article April 6, 1907 Issue

While it is true that the treatment of disease by Christian Science...

W. S. Montgomery Smith—London, England.

The Onlooker

While it is true that the treatment of disease by Christian Science is radically opposed to the methods of the orthodox medical practitioner, it would be very far from the truth to assume that Christian Scientists entertain towards the members of the medical profession feelings that are in any way hostile or disrespectful. On the contrary, they regard with the kindliest sympathy the devoted efforts of those many doctors who are unselfishly striving to alleviate the mass of suffering which weighs down humanity, and who are sacrificing ease, pleasure, sometimes even life itself in the struggle. The writer, who pursued the practice of medicine for many years, before an acceptance of the truth of Christian Science compelled him to abandon it, is acquainted from personal experience with many instances of such devotion. The pity is that the results are too often so little commensurate with the desire to serve.

It would be equally incorrect to suppose that Christian Scientists have any wish to dissuade the sick, anxious for medical treatment, from employing the means which these sufferers imagine will give them the best chance of relief. Such a course would be entirely opposed to the rules of Christian Science, which teaches the doctrine of doing to others as one would be done by, and refraining from anything that infringes the rights of the individual. Christian Scientists are striving to overcome the evils that beset human existence in the manner directed by our great pattern, Jesus of Nazareth, who proclaimed himself "the way." Whereas medical practice is little else but a tinkering of effects, Christian Science concerns itself with the removal of the cause. Teaching that all physical effects are merely externalized thoughts, it devotes itself to the healing of the mind, in the knowledge that when once right thinking is established in the consciousness of the individual, discord, whether manifested as sin or disease, can find no foothold.

The doctrines of Christian Science are strictly derived from the authority of the Bible. The statement that disease and death are the result of wrong thinking is in exact accord with the teaching of St. Paul, who said, "To be carnally minded [or, as the marginal version has it, "the minding of the flesh"] is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace;" and "he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." St. James said: "When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." A greater than either Paul or James declared: "If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
"The good there is in Christian Science," was the subject...
April 6, 1907
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit