Article March 28, 1908 Issue

The practice of Christian Science is based on the authority...

J. V. Dittemore

Commercial Advertiser

The practice of Christian Science is based on the authority of the Scriptural statement that God is the healer of all the ills that flesh is heir to, both physical and moral. Its accomplishments demonstrate the truth of this Scriptural statement. That system of healing which legitimately bears the name of Christian must be in accord with and based on the same Principle as were the teachings and practices of Jesus. Christian Scientists refuse to believe that Jesus used in his practice either suggestion or auto-suggestion, nor will they believe that he was a hypnotist. If this healing is Christian, and is in truth a return of the Church to the recognition of the necessity of obeying the commands of Jesus in their entirety, to heal the sick as well as to preach the gospel, then the power which performs the work must be the power of God; that power which is all power — omnipotence. If this be true, it is certainly illogical to limit omnipotence to a man-selected list of so-called nervous diseases. Such a position is directly contrary to Bible teaching and to the history of the healing of primitive Christianity, not only in the time of Jesus, but during the first three centuries of the Christian era. Surely the hand of the Lord "is not shortened that it cannot save" in all instances, if in any. Christian Scientists believe that Jesus meant what he said in his command to all his followers of all ages to preach the gospel and heal the sick. . . .

Christian Scientists believe that every man should have the right to worship God according to his own conception of the right way, and according to the way his experience has shown him is the most efficacious way. They believe that this recognition of the need of Christian healing is a step in the right direction. . . . Christian Science has but one mission — the destruction of evil and the bringing forth of health, happiness, and harmony; in fact, the realization here and now of that condition which has only been considered attainable in a future existence. Thousands of good people throughout this and other lands are filled with rejoicing and gratitude for help received in Christian Science. Its accomplishments are its sufficient justification. It is well to recognize and honor good works, whether they are within or without our own ranks.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The practice of Christian Science is based on the authority...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access