Article April 9, 1910 Issue

The statement made by the reviewer of Dr. Horton's book...

Charles M. Shaw

The statement made by the reviewer of Dr. Horton's book, that Christian Science is regarded by many people on this side of the Atlantic as "a money-making swindle at the expense of ignorant and superstitious piety," is of course incorrect. But the remark is based upon such palpable ignorance of the subject, and is so like the attitude held by the present writer—along with many others now connected with the movement—when he first heard of Christian Science, that he can regard it without resentment. Nevertheless, it is due to the public that those who occupy chairs of criticism should speak with the authority of correct information.

The Christian Science is not a money-making swindle is evidenced, for one thing, by the fact that many of those engaged in the work have given up more remunerative posts in order to do it. Again, Christian Science has something to give mankind which cannot be obtained in other ways. There are scores of people in this district who have been healed by means of it when medical skill was baffled, as can easily be verified by any honest investigator. Professor James, in his notable book on "The Varieties of Religious Experience," says, "The plain fact remains that the spread of the movement has been due to practical fruits."

In the last three years Christian Science churches and societies have increased in number by thirty per cent, and contain among their members judges, lawyers, professors, authors, doctors, clergymen, teachers, and merchants. Your reviewer must have a singular knowledge of human nature if he imagines that in these days and among such people Christian Science would flourish if it were characterized by anything in the nature of a swindle.

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