Article February 26, 1910 Issue

While Christian Science claims to be a reinstatement of...

George Shaw Cook

Centralia (Ill.) Democrat

While Christian Science claims to be a reinstatement of primitive Christianity, and submits as one proof of this claim the healing works which are similar to those performed by the early Christians, physical healing is not the fundamental purpose of Christian Science, and is not therefore, as our critic seems to believe, the only proof offered of its truth or of its Scriptural basis. Mrs. Eddy says on page 150 of Science and Health that "the mission of Christian Science now, as in the time of its earlier demonstration, is not primarily one of physical healing. Now, as then, signs and wonders are wrought in the metaphysical healing of physical disease; but these signs are only to demonstrate its divine origin,—to attest the reality of the higher mission of the Christ-power to take away the sins of the world."

The purification of thought which results from the study of Christian Science naturally leads to increased demand for increased cleanliness and improved surroundings. Christian Scientists, while less dependent than they formerly were on material conditions, and believing that righteous living is the paramount necessity, are nevertheless in favor of all ordinary means of sanitation. As a denomination they do not maintain hospitals and other institutions of a similar nature. Their work is with the individual and is essentially spiritual, and it is obvious that such work may be generally carried on more satisfactorily in the home than in a public institution. Sufficient means are provided, however, for those seeking help from Christian Science to find it easily, and to receive it freely, if necessary.

Christian Scientists do not, as some believe, regard their text-book, Science and Health, as a substitute for the Bible. On the contrary, they understand that it is a Bible commentary, as its secondary title, "Key to the Scriptures," implies. The careful student of this book will, I think, find no lack of conviction on the part of its author that she was inspired by God in the discovery and revelation to this age of Christian Science.

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