Article July 17, 1909 Issue

Our critic declares that the fundamental tenet of Christian Science...

Alfred Farlow

Chester (Pa.) Times

Our critic declares that the fundamental tenet of Christian Science is this, "Matter does not exist." This is not a premise of Christian Science, but a conclusion. The premise of Christian Science, as before stated, is its teaching concerning God. Moreover, the abstract statement, "Matter does not exist," needs the fuller explanations given in the Christian Science text-book, in order that the student may obtain an adequate knowledge of the subject.

Christian Science does not deny the existence of phenomena. It affirms that these are not what they seem to be from a material view-point. It is the mission of Christian Science to give a spiritual understanding of creation. Science teaches that in our present immature condition we do not see things as they really are, that as we progress spiritually, and consequently become more intelligent, our sense of creation will improve; that this improvement will continue until we reach the point of perfection, when we shall see creation exactly as it is and it will be discovered to be spiritual and not material. Matter is the name which is applied to the false sense of creation. As this false sense is not true, it is proper to say that it does not exist; hence the declaration, "There is no matter." Christian Science does not deny that sin and disease exist in erring mortal experiences. It does not hope to dispose of these by ignoring them, but by grappling with them and overcoming them through divine power.

Christian Scientists believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord, in the ascension, in the atonement. In fact, Christian Science is in perfect accord with the entire teaching of the Scripture. Our critic asserts that the activities of the Christian Scientists have not been "among the class of mankind that needs help," but "they would rather enter the fold like wolves seeking whom they might devour." This point alone is enough to reveal the fact that the gentleman has absolutely no knowledge of the work of Christian Scientists. I personally know many persons whom Christian Science has lifted out of all sorts of degradation into lives of purity and prosperity. The practice of Christian Science is not confined to any particular class; it is applied to those who call for it, among all classes, rich and poor, high and low. Christian Science is doing more for the poor and needy than any charitable institution could possibly do, because it not only feeds the hungry, but it heals the sick, places them on their feet, enables them to work and earn a living.

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