Editorial July 11, 1908 Issue

UNFOUNDED CRITICISM

Archibald McLellan

A SHORT time ago a minister on the Pacific coast preached a sermon in which he attacked women in general, accusing them of being the main support of the "isms" with which he had been finding fault, and among other things said, "With all respect for the purity of our mothers and daughters, we must admit that free love finds its advocates and support among women more generally than among men." This was incidental to an attack upon Christian Science, and no doubt this presumable expounder of a gospel which says, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor," flattered himself that he had not only administered a body blow to a competitor, but also enlisted the sympathies of the male portion of the community; but in this conclusion, it is almost needless to say, he was mistaken. There was no need for the women to defend themselves against this cruel and baseless charge, for the men of this minister's own city called him to account through the local newspapers, and the general condemnation of his sermon which was expressed certainly gives the reverend gentleman ample reason to regret his words.

This incident would be unworthy of mention were it not that it emphasized the utter absurdity of the process by which the average public critic of Christian Science arrives at his conclusions, and the intemperate zeal with which he states them. To commence with, this critic alleged that Science and Health teaches the doctrines of free love; and this, notwithstanding that one whole chapter of the book is given over to a discussion of marriage, the key-note of which is, "The commandment, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery,' is no less imperative than the one, 'Thou shalt not kill.' Chastity is the cement of civilization and progress. Without it there is no stability in society, and without it one cannot attain the Science of Life" (pp. 56, 57). Building upon this false foundation, he next alleged that women are more largely attracted to Christian Science than are men, therefore women are more largely attracted to free love than are men. Now, what are the facts? Simply these: Science and Health does not teach free love, and women predominate to no greater degree in Christian Science congregations than in those of other religious denominations. These are very simple facts, and well within the reach of all who wish to be informed.

He who assumes to be a teacher of religion or ethics is under greater obligation than is any one else to state facts, and to draw correct conclusions therefrom; nor does it become such an one not only to misrepresent the teachings of a religion which is so greatly benefiting the race as is Christian Science, but to insult the sex of whom it has been truly said,—

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