Article August 3, 1907 Issue

Mrs. Eddy states positively that the Bible was her only...

Charles K. Skinner—Greenville, Mich.

The Call

Mrs. Eddy states positively that the Bible was her only text-book in the preparation for her chosen work and in writing Science and Health. Theologians of the different schools do not agree with each other on the interpretation of the Scriptures, and why should one criticise Christian Science because its teachings do not correspond with any of their own conflicting opinions? Each denomination has its commentary on the Bible, and each considers that its own is the right one. Christian Science has for its commentary the text-book, Science and Health, and is proving daily its right to its name and its teachings by the works that follow the faithful observance of its rules.

On the other hand the statement of the Christian Advocate, that "neither the Old nor the New Testament agrees in any respect with Mrs. Eddy's theories," has only the authority of the editor of the Advocate and those other critics who have not studied the text-book of Christian Science nor read it except from the viewpoint of adverse criticism. What would be thought of the individual who in this age would stand and positively deny the possibilities of electricity because he had never been able or perhaps willing to prove any of its claims?

The statement that "the Bible refers to health and disease as being real, with no reference anywhere to the idea that disease is a false claim or illusion," shows that the Advocate has overlooked some very marked declarations of the Master along this line. In the case of Jairus' daughter he said, "She is not dead, but sleepeth." Thus he indicated conclusively that he recognized her condition as one of dormant mentality, from which she could be roused by the power of God. Had Jesus believed or admitted death to be a reality or a creation of God, he would not have attempted to destroy that condition. What he did say was, that he came to destroy the works of the devil. Of the woman who was bowed together he did not say that she had real rheumatism, but he spoke of her as one "whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years." This Satan he designated as a liar, and the father of lies, hence he saw in her condition only a false belief. Christian Science does not teach, however, that sickness and sin are not real to the material senses, but that they are unreal to God and spiritual man, and must be destroyed by this understanding.

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