Article July 11, 1908 Issue

A few critics seem to have a belief that Christian Science...

Alfred Farlow

Boston Times

A few critics seem to have a belief that Christian Science proposes to add something new to the Bible; that Mrs. Eddy has discovered something additional to the Holy Scriptures, when in fact she distinctly states that in her search for Truth the Bible was her only text-book, and that she found Christian Science in the Bible and in the teachings of Jesus Christ. A careful study of the Master's teachings reveals certain propositions of Truth which really furnish the foundation for Christian Science. No one could read the New Testament without being forcibly impressed with the great importance which Jesus attached to spiritual things, and the contempt which he had for materiality. His statement, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing," is as radical a declaration that Spirit is the only Life, substance, and intelligence, as anything contained in the Christian Science text-book, and this is contingent upon his declaration, "God is a Spirit." Recognizing that Spirit is the only First Cause, that all creation emanates from the deific Mind, Jesus unhesitatingly declared the unprofitableness of matter. The great importance which he attached to the statement, "God is a Spirit," may be understood by considering the circumstances under which he introduced this teaching.

He had been in discussion with the woman of Samaria at the well. She reminded him of the Jewish idea that God should be worshiped in Jerusalem, since that was His residence, while the Samaritans believed God should be worshiped in a certain mountain. Jesus accepted neither proposition, but declared, "God is a Spirit." "Neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem" should men worship God, for God is Spirit,—infinite, everywhere present,—and must be worshiped spiritually.

There are some things in the Holy Writ, due evidently to mistranslations, which are hard to harmonize. I can truthfully say that the Word of God is more consistent to me under the light of Christian Science than it was before I understood this Science. While some critics declare that Christian Science is not in harmony with the Scriptures, Christian Scientists have the evidence within themselves that this Science coincides with the Scriptures, because its teaching has never given them the impression that the Bible is wrong. Surely a Christian Scientist, one who has carefully studied and applied this Science for years, should be better qualified to detect any difference between this Science and the Scriptures than those who, though perhaps understanding the Scriptures, do not understand the Science.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

A few critics seem to have a belief that Christian Science...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access