Article May 2, 1908 Issue

In considering the charge of inconsistency made by...

David B. Ogden

Roseburg (Ore.) Spokesman

In considering the charge of inconsistency made by our critic, it may be well to remember that Christian Scientists in their theory are probably no farther in advance of their practice than are the Christians of other denominations. Jesus' sayings, "Take no thought ... for your body," "be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," and "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, ... and all these things shall be added unto you," are incumbent upon all of his followers, and are quite as radical as anything found in the Christian Science text-book. Here the Master declares that whatever is needed in this life is to be gained through seeking the kingdom of God, and yet all Christians are obliged to suffer to be so now many material habits, practices, and indulgences which have no place in our highest conception of this kingdom. Most Christians take much thought for the body, and frequently even anxious thought, in direct violation of their accepted teaching, and why? Wholly because they have not attained the ability to do otherwise. All Christians profess to have adopted the standard of their Master, and are no doubt well aware of the growth in righteousness requisite to attain to his standard of perfection, and also of their present deficiency.

If it is allowable that other Christians shall have an extension of time in which to reach that state or condition wherein they can fully practise what Jesus taught, should not Christian Scientists be granted the same liberal privilege? They do not object to being held to account for their shortcomings, and are quite willing to be prompted by their critics to greater effort, wherein all deficiency between practice and profession will ultimately disappear. However, have not Christian Scientists also the same right to insist that those who administer reproof give evidence of their own consistent obedience to Scriptural demands?

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