Article November 19, 1910 Issue

Our critic's hypothetical case of the supposed leper who...

George Shaw Cook

Freeport (Ill) Journal

Our critic's hypothetical case of the supposed leper who met the Christian Scientist is so absurd as to be scarcely worth noticing except for the reason that it might be taken by some to be a correct presentation of the attitude of Christian Scientists toward those who are afflicted with contagious disease. In the first place Christian Scientists as a class are not disposed to argue with those whom they chance to meet regarding the unreality of disease and matter. They recognize that the average person is strongly imbued with the belief that both are real, and it would be a waste of time if not an imposition to try to force the teachings of Christian Science upon those who are not seeking information on the subject. When the individual is ready to learn something of the unreality of disease and matter, he will find abundant opportunities to do so, and the wise Christian Scientist is perfectly willing that he should be left to choose his own time.

In the second place, Christian Scientists are advised by Mrs. Eddy to respect the feelings of their neighbors concerning the matter of contagion. They are requested by her to have suspected cases of contagious and infections disease diagnosed by physicians and reported to the board of health if required to do so. Furthermore, Christian Scientists are generally very conscientious about observing quarantine regulations when these are imposed, and the community is as a rule in no danger of the spread of contagion by reason of the Christian Scientists' belief that disease is mental and not physical.

A useful hint is contained in this critic's suppositional case of "Mr. A. and Mr. B.," as it furnishes a good illustration of the all too prevalent tendency to frighten people into believing that they are sick. In some instances this sort of argument amounts to little less than hypnotic suggestion of the fear and symptoms of disease to one who might if left alone recover without serious difficulty. Any honest physician of wide experience will confirm what I say about this.

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