Article May 18, 1907 Issue

WHY?

A. WILLIS PAINE, M.D.

It is no longer asked whether Christian Science is attracting public attention, but rather, Why is it? This religious teaching has drawn and is drawing to itself adherents from every walk and condition of life. The rich and the poor, the learned and the unlearned, the believer and the skeptic are becoming interested in Christian Science, and why? Not merely because it proffers physical healing. The claim that it is of God, that it gives a spiritual understanding of Him, has been demonstrated to many, to the extent that their hearts cry out for closer relationship with the one Mind.

It is now well known, and usually admitted, that he whose physical ills are alleviated through Christian Science must, in a degree, be spiritually uplifted. "Whatever guides thought spiritually benefits mind and body" (Science and Health, p. 149). The adherents to this religion are largely those who have been brought up out of great physical tribulation, who have lost faith in other methods of cure, and have found in Christian Science not only relief from physical suffering, but guidance into a closer communion with God.

While mankind seem to be engrossed in selfish, mercenary pursuits, led on by self-will, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, there is underlying all this a yearning for something higher, purer, and nobler. Like one of old they are seeking peace, happiness, and health in the wind, earthquake, and fire,—the material pandemonium of social and business turmoil. But like Elijah they will find it in the "still, small, voice," Christian Science, which has come to this generation through our revered Leader, the one whose purity of character, devotion, and research have prepared her to lead humanity out of the wilderness of material sense, sickness, and sin. While the masses come primarily to Christian Science for physical healing, its ultimate is the Christianization of humanity. It cannot be superficially acquired, it must be absorbed and become a consciousness, manifesting itself in love and good will toward all mankind. He who loves God loves his fellow-man.

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