THE SCIENCE OF CHRISTIANITY

Annie M. Knott

Some years ago Professor Drummond wrote: "Shall a mechanical experiment succeed infallibly and the one vital experiment of humanity remain a chance. ... If we cannot calculate to a certainty that the forces of religion will do their work, then is religion vain."

At the time these words were written the demand for a scientific explanation of external things was being felt in every direction, but there were few who saw that there was at least an equal reason for the use of scientific methods in the study of religion and its application to human affairs. It is true that a good many years prior to this time the Science of Christianity had been discovered by Mrs. Eddy, and rules for its application in the healing of disease had been formulated and given to the world in the text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;" but this discovery had to win its way to a wide recognition and acceptance by actual demonstration of the correctness of its fundamental teaching, and in doing this it had to displace the solidified prejudices resulting from centuries of belief in the reality of matter and of evil.

That Christian Science has already succeeded in doing this to a large extent, proves the power of divine Principle when understood, and it also proves that Science is seen by thoughtful people to be as much a necessity to progress and permanence in religion as in the so-called physical realm. Who is there that has not sighed for the wonderful healing ministry of Christ Jesus, when beset by hopeless suffering, either in his own experience or in that of some loved one? To be told that such ministry has no relation to the present time can do little but drive one to the verge of accepting the philosophy of the cynic who said that "faith has one logic and fate another;" worse than this, it tempts one to doubt if Christ Jesus ever healed the sick, when neither prayers nor tears could bring healing to-day, even when these were backed up by all that modern medical skill could offer.

Into the experience of many thus troubled there has come the healing in Christian Science of some one known to the doubter, and next came the discovery that the healing work of Christ Jesus had an eternal Principle and law, and that these had been revealed to the world through our Leader. And what a joy it is to witness the wonder and the spiritual quickening which come to one who proves for the first time the Science of Christianity. When he demonstrates his understanding of divine Principle and begins to see the unfolding of spiritual law and the possibility of applying it to every problem of human experience, he feels as if the goal had already been reached—which is far from being the case; but the fact that the goal is clearly seen and the way to reach it pointed out,—this surpasses all that one had dared to hope for without the Science which directs at each step of the way. That any should deny this Science which reveals infinite Mind, seems strange indeed, especially those who profess to follow Christ. Do they seek to substitute "suggestion" or mere opinion for the Science of being, which leads from doubt to assurance, from sickness to health, from sin to holiness, and from mortality to immortality?

Have not mortals wandered long enough in the darkness of superstition and fear, in sin and suffering? One thing is, happily, sure; namely, that the Science of being is here,—declared on every page of Science and Health and demonstrated in some measure in every civilized nation,—and all that denies the omnipotence of God and the availability of divine law to overcome evil "at all times and under all circumstances" (Science and Health, p. 571) must disappear before the rising sun of Divine Science, which has come with healing on its wings.

Annie M. Knott.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

THE "SILENT PARTNER"

August 15, 1908

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit