Article August 6, 1910 Issue

A critic says that "Christian Scientists declare they are...

Charles K. Skinner

Detroit (Mich.) Free Press

A critic says that "Christian Scientists declare they are discriminated against, because they are not allowed the same privileges as medical practitioners." I do not think there is any question in the mind of the public as to whether they are being discriminated against; but Christian Scientists are biding their time, until the public becomes still better educated as to the practice and results of Christian Science treatment. They know that the matter will regulate itself, as all questions do which pertain to the public weal.

Statement is made that "Christian Scientists often leave cases until they are beyond hope, when a medical man is called and gets the blame." Reversing the case, the medical man often holds the case until the last hour, and Christian Science is called and saves the patient, for "man's extremity is God's opportunity." Now, to be fair (and my acquaintance with the doctor leads me to think he so intended), he should have said that seventy-five per cent of those who come to Christian Science for help have been given up by medicine after years of treatment, and like the drowning man clutching at a straw, have reached out for God's help.

The above is no rash statement, but the result of careful inquiry made in several states. Further than this, a very large majority of these cases are either healed or permanently benefited by Christian Science. The fact that all are not healed should be no criticism against Christian Science, when we see the long list of deaths under medical treatment. No patient is kept in durance by a Christian Scientist, but is given to understand that he is at liberty to return to medical treatment at any time he desires.

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