Article July 24, 1909 Issue

Among the many misconceptions as to Christian Science...

William E. Brown

Madera (Cal.) Tribune

Among the many misconceptions as to Christian Science is the absurd and unwarranted idea that its adherents ignore sickness, suffering, and poverty as unreal, and that consequently they do not believe in philanthropy. The very opposite of this idea is the truth in regard to Christian Science teachings, which makes of those who practise them the truest philanthropists since the time of Christ.

While Christian Science teaches the unreality of sickness and poverty, it does so in the sense that they are not of God, therefore they are unreal or abnormal conditions, which may be destroyed through the understanding and application of God and His laws. In the mean time, and during the process of the destruction of these unnatural conditions, Christian Science does not ignore the wants of the needy, but always extends a helping hand until the individual reaches a point where he becomes a self-supporting and self-respecting member of the community. Mrs. Eddy tells us that the true idea of charity is that expressed by a Talmudical philosopher: "The noblest charity is to prevent a man from accepting charity; and the best alms are to show and enable a man to dispense with alms" (Miscellaneous Writings, Preface). Christian Scientists, from the Leader down to the youngest students, strive to alleviate human suffering of all kinds.

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