Editorial October 2, 1909 Issue

"NOT IN HARMONY WITH CHRISTIAN SCIENCE"

Archibald McLellan

A few days ago we received a letter from a gentleman in the far West, in which he inquired concerning the teachings of Christian Science in regard to the use of alcoholic beverages. He stated that in the section of the country from which he was writing the drinking habit was very prevalent, and that even some Christian Scientists not only indulged in this habit, but also attempted to justify it as not being inconsistent with the practice of their religion. Being a comparatively young student of Christian Science, our correspondent wished to verify his own understanding, which was that the use of liquor is plainly against the teachings of Science and Health.

What we gathered from our correspondent's letter was that those who indulged in the use of liquors felt that they might do so "moderately" and without harm to themselves or to others; in other words, that drinking is not wrong per se, but only intemperance is wrong. Consistent with such an argument would be the statement that both good and evil can be contained in the one thing, and are equally real and eternal, a statement which is entirely at variance with the Principle and teachings of Christian Science and which should mislead no one.

Mrs. Eddy's clear and emphatic statement that "the use of tobacco or intoxicating drinks is not in harmony with Christian Science" (Science and Health, p. 454), is very much to the point, and in replying to our correspondent we assured him of the correctness of his understanding of the teachings of our text-book, and referred him to the numerous testimonies which have appeared in the Sentinel and Journal of those who have been healed through Christian Science of the liquor habit in its varied phases.

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