Article November 13, 1909 Issue

Our ministerial critic generously admits that Christian Science...

Olcott Haskell

Alameda (Cal.) Arugs

Our ministerial critic generously admits that Christian Science has done good in awakening those spiritually listless to a more earnest study of their Bibles, in making people more unselfish and cheerful, and in curing "a limited number of functional troubles." All this is good, but we would add that the power of God is not limited to saving His children from minor ills only, but, as was illustrated in the practice of Jesus and his disciples, that it is available for full salvation from all evil.

The Christian Scientist recognizes God to be infinite and wholly good, and the creator only of good, so that evil cannot exist as a veritable reality. From this it follows that evil, sickness, and sin are human illusions and not external verities; yet Christian Science also teaches that to believe in or follow an illusion is a sin in itself and will bring suffering so long as it is indulged in. Jesus defined evil as a lie, and said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." By this teaching of the truth the Christian Scientists seek to save men from poverty, vice, and sickness, and they also encourage every human effort toward righteousness. Their gifts to charities are liberal. They heartily approve every movement toward civic reform, and they conduct a daily newspaper which aims "to injure no man, but to bless all mankind," by following St. Paul's advice, "Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

The Christian Science practitioner sometimes avails himself of a physician's diagnosis, but in every case he looks beyond the physical symptoms, scientifically searching into the mental conditions as the root of the difficulty. Cleanliness and order are the natural results of pure and orderly thinking; thus the Christian Scientist aids in establishing sanitary conditions; and his respect for the thoughts of others causes him to report contagious diseases, to observe the rules of quarantine, and to comply with such regulations as the state decides are for the public good.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Christian Science does not claim to work miracles; on...
November 13, 1909
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit