Article September 4, 1909 Issue

When the Christian Scientist turns to the Bible and consults...

A. P. Cochran

Le Roy (Kan.) Comment

When the Christian Scientist turns to the Bible and consults it as his "sufficient guide," he reads a story of one whose "own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." He learns that this message was delivered by authority, and that it was not "theoretical and fragmentary, but practical and complete" (Science and Health, p. 98). They accept it just this way. Jesus said to his disciples: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." These commandments were summed up: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart... and thy neighbor as thyself." He left no doubt as to the result of obedience to this, but said unqualifiedly: "This do, and thou shalt live."

Further than this, he provided a way for the continuation of this work, and it also was simple and complete. There was no necessity for any changes either by adding to or taking from. He sent out the twelve and gave them "power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." Then he "appointed other seventy also," with instructions: "And into whatsoever city ye enter.... heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them. The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you." More than this, he said unto the disciples: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ... And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

Christian Scientists tell you that Jesus the Christ meant that these things should be done just as directed; and to prove that this is so, they offer the unanswerable proof of "works" that increase in number every day, and in fact every hour, in the lives of "them that believe." The fact is that there is not a basic truth accepted and acted upon by Christian Scientists that is not cited as the authority upon which orthodox theology formulates its dogmas. The difference can be briefly stated. The Christian Scientists refuse to accept anything as the result of the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God that is not perfect. In the creation of such a God there is no place for anything that "worketh abomination or maketh a lie." They know that this is the truth for the very sufficient reason that it has made them a healthy, happy, and prosperous people, where just the reverse was true.

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