Article September 25, 1909 Issue

In saying that "Christian Science can never expect to...

George Shaw Cook

Quincy (Ill.) Journal

In saying that "Christian Science can never expect to have the same treatment accorded it as can be to the ordinary Christian churches of other denominations," I think our critic is mistaken. He reasons that Christian Science is not entitled to the same consideration as other denominations because its teachings are in many particulars quite unlike those which prevail in other churches of the present day. Yet this is hardly a safe position to take in these days of enlightened progress, for the reason that this very progress may and I believe will eventually compel the present critics of Christian Science to agree with many of its claims to which they now object. Their objection, it is understood, of course, is based upon previous education along entirely different lines.

Is it not possible that their education instead of Christian Science teaching is at fault? There was a time when every one believed that the earth was flat, and one who taught that it was round would have been considered ridiculous. Subsequent developments established the fact of the earth's rotundity, and now those who believed it to be flat appear to have been the victims of ignorance. The testimony of the senses was in favor of the belief that the earth is flat and stationary, while the fact always has been that it is round, or nearly so, and that it revolves. In view of this, and of other instances which might be cited, is it not reasonable to suppose that at no distant day the teaching of Christian Science regarding the nature of matter may be accepted as the established fact and that the prevalent beliefs about it may be seen to be the result of ignorance? Already many philosophers are substantially in agreement with Mrs. Eddy's teaching on this subject.

What, in fact, can be more absurd than to suppose that we can think anything fit to be thought which is contrary to or different from the thinking of God.—Bushnell.

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