Article March 27, 1909 Issue

Christian Science does not teach "the power of mind...

Olcott Haskell

Oakland (Cal.) Tribune

Christian Science does not teach "the power of mind over matter" in the sense of human will-power being a healer, but it recognizes the power of divine Mind, God, over all His universe. Christian Scientists have established no spiritual hierarchy or despotism, but they encourage the freest investigation and study, since each man must be saved through his own understanding of the truth. The attitude of a Christian Scientist is that of unquestioned obedience to Principle, but not to any human being. He recognizes the deep insight attained by Mrs. Eddy, and is glad to follow her, in accordance with her own request, "only so far as she follows Christ" (Messages to The Mother Church, p. 70).

This Science has probably done more to lessen the unreasoning fear of epidemics and of so-called incurable diseases—to deliver men from the hopeless bondage to which they had been consigned—than has any other system. Instead of antagonizing progress in the scientists, a Christian Scientist recognizes the value of human research, of art, philosophy, and discovery; and in regard to methods of healing he leaves all persons free to choose for themselves, urging only that each system be judged on its merits. He is taught to respect the laws of our land; to observe cleanliness and established rules of sanitation. He does not ignore the human body, but seeks, like St. Paul, to live in subjection, not to the laws of the flesh, but to the higher "law of the Spirit of life."

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