Editorial October 9, 1909 Issue

"LINES OF DEMARCATION."*

Archibald McLellan

It has often been said, and we believe it to be true, that many of the false impressions of Christian Science which prevail with the public are largely due to the foolish and utterly unscientific talk and actions of persons who are supposed to be, and in name are, Christian Scientists, but who, alas, entertain a concept of its teachings more or less at variance with its text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Not the least harmful of these erroneous concepts, of Christian Science is one of which we have heard much recently, namely, the vain effort to regard human beings as wholly spiritual or divine, a condition which mortals have not attained and in the very nature of things cannot attain. Our text-book says: "Only impotent error would seek to unite Spirit with matter, good with evil, immortality with mortality, and call this sham unity man, as if man were the offspring of both Mind and matter, of both Deity and humanity" (Science and Health, p. 555).

Mrs. Eddy does not teach the doctrine of spiritualized mortals, nor anything like it, On the contrary, her teachings are addressed to mortals in terms understandable by mortals, and for the purpose of enabling them to be healed of their mortal beliefs of sickness and sin through their correct understanding of God and the real man in this image and likeness. In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 307) she says: "Christian Scientists should beware of unseen snares, and adhere to the divine Principle and rules for demonstration. They must guard against the deification of finite personality. Every human thought must turn instinctively to the divine Mind as its sole center and intelligence. Until this be done, man will never be found harmonious and immortal."

Christian Scientists may well ponder this teaching, and refrain from entertaining a concept of any human personality which invests it with spiritual existence. Those who unwittingly have done this are casting discredit on the religion they profess, but to continue to entertain such a belief is to part company with Christian Science. If they honestly desire to be Christian Scientists, they will follow Mrs. Eddy's advice, namely, "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit" (Science and Health p. 495) of her teachings, so that they may indeed be faithful followers of the Master who claimed naught of honor or power for himself, but said, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."

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