Article September 19, 1908 Issue

Far from "sweeping the entire universe of all material...

R. Stanhope Easterday

Franklin (Ind.) Star

Far from "sweeping the entire universe of all material phenomena," Christian Science but urges the reasonableness of its conclusion that in the light of the spiritual teachings and facts of Scripture, the material universe about us is but a mortal, finite misconception of the spiritual, perfect creation recounted in the first chapter of Genesis, and pronounced, in the estimation of infinite wisdom, "very good." It might be interesting and helpful just here to recall how Jesus conceived of and handled so-called physical forces and "material phenomena."

Jesus once made the significant statement, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil;" and yet, throughout his earthly career, he ruthlessly set aside material laws and forces,—walking on the water despite the law of gravitation, changing water into wine in direct contravention of all known physical and chemical laws, and healing the sick without compliance with or any recognition of ancient or modern laws of health and hygiene. Yet all, we may reasonably conclude, was in due accord with the true, spiritual laws of being, and in full conformity with "the will of the Father." Jesus, before he left his followers in the ascension, promised that "the Comforter," should eventually lead men "into all truth." Inasmuch as truth is the basis of all true science, it is but reasonable to conclude that the basic laws of Christianity are to be the very essence of true science; hence the Christ concept of men and things must have been the truly "scientific" concept, and his the only "scientific" methods. It will therefore be conclusively seen that the Christian Science interpretation of the facts of the universe is the truly "scientific" interpretation of all "phenomena."

It should be recalled that, according to the scientific definition of this word, phenomena means "appearances," resulting from "underlying realities" called "noumena," which are not cognizable to the physical senses. So-called "physical science" necessarily eschews all consideration of these latter, in consonance with Paul's statement, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can be know them, because they are spiritually discerned." This latter indeed covers the whole ground; substantiates the Christian Science contention, if the latter is rationally understood; opens up a large field to the earnest Christian for profitable research and study; leaves no room or justification for quibbling or controversy, and justifies Jesus' sweeping admonition, "Judge not."

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