As Christian Scientists we take "the inspired Word of...

Edward W. Dickey

Anaheim (Cal.) Plain Dealer

As Christian Scientists we take "the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life" (Science and Health, p. 497). This does not mean a part of the Bible, but the whole. We regard the Bible from the standpoint of its own unity. In fact, it cannot well be regarded otherwise, and the Christian Scientist seeks the inspired or spiritual sense from Genesis to Revelation. His guide in this seeking is the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mrs. Eddy. This book is indeed a "Key to the Scriptures," and is regarded as a commentary on the Bible. Other churches have their commentaries and Bible helps, they also have ministers to explain the Bible from the pulpit. Why, therefore, should the Christian Scientist be taken to task for having his commentary?

The Bible must be explained to be understood. It was characteristic of Jesus to explain the Scriptures, and in doing this he spoke in parables. These parables or expositions were always followed by object-lessons, or what have been regarded as miracles. Jesus said, "I am the way," and he taught his followers how to do the works he did. He also said that his followers should be known by their "fruits." Thus it is that our salvation comes through the spiritual sense of the Scriptures. It is not possible for men to know God aright through a literal reading of the Bible. It was inspiration that gave the Bible, and it must be understood in the same way in order to be of practical value.

True salvation, the Master said, is this, "that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." This knowledge frees from all the false beliefs of the carnal mind, including "temporal evils and earthly destruction." It was from sin, disease, and death that Jesus gave freedom, and we are commanded to do likewise. Does "Layman" know of a better scheme of salvation than that inaugurated by the Master?

Christian Science does not deny that from the human sense standpoint there is death. It shows, however, that we may overcome even "the last enemy." "To be spiritually minded," Paul tells us, "is life," and the conscious understanding of God's nature, power, and presence will surely cause the "former things," such as sin, disease, and death, to pass away and come no more into mind. Christian Science is based upon the fact that God is infinite Mind, supreme incorporeal Spirit, Life, Truth, Love, the only cause and creator. As a consequent it shows logically and conclusively that matter is unreal or non-existent. It is that which seemeth to be but is not. Christian Science does not seek to destroy one atom of creation, nor even to deny its existence. It does not declare that "earth is not earth, water not water, cattle not cattle." It is the mortal, finite concept of these that Christian Science abolishes, and instead thereof it gives the true spiritual idea. To this end it shows that the record of creation given in the first chapter of Genesis is spiritual, entire, and complete. All else is merely addendum; unlike God, Spirit, and therefore without reality. The Word of God, Spirit, was the creator here, and not one vestige of materiality is to be found in the record.

Who is qualified to say Christian Science is unreasonable, the critic who is unable to prove its declarations, or the student who, following its teaching, has proven that Christ is with us "even unto the end of the world." One of the most common tendencies of the human mind is to combat that which it does not understand. No amount of discussion, debate, or argument; no amount of quotation from the Bible pro or con; no amount of quotation from the Christian Science text-book, will either overthrow or uphold Christian Science, for it rests upon the everlasting foundation of demonstration, and what it thus accomplishes alone gives it the universal prestige it now enjoys.

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