Editorial November 4, 1911 Issue

SCIENCE VS. SUPERSTITION

Annie M. Knott

During the last half century a great change has come over the world's thought, a scientific view of things having to a large extent done away with superstition as it was linked to beliefs concerning God, man, and the universe. There is, however, no denying the fact that the attitude of physical science toward religion has been mainly destructive,—that it has done little or nothing to reveal the truth which religion ought to teach, but which has unfortunately been obscured by the acceptance of superstition and mere belief about God and man. On the other hand, Christian Science approaches the entire Bible with reverence, and while discarding superstition affirms that "Truth spares all that is true" (Science and Health, p. 474). Thus we learn how we may find all through the Scriptures the needed inspiration, "reproof," "correction," and "instruction in righteousness."

Physical science on the other hand by no means "spares all that is true." In attacking some of the grosser forms of superstition, which are themselves an outgrowth of material belief, it does not seek to discover the spiritual facts which they counterfeit, but with destructive criticism denies in toto the spiritual idea which points to Life as God. Thus we have from physical science a denial of the healing works of Christ Jesus, and from many of its supporters a denial of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, which our revered Leader characterizes in Science and Health as "his mighty, crowning, unparalleled, and triumphant exit from the flesh" (p. 117). The advocates of material science take the position that as the miracles are outside of material law, they have no relation to science, and so Christian people must either disbelieve them or think of them with superstitious reverence. The latter alternative of course denies to them the privilege of attempting to repeat the Master's works, although he expressly commanded his followers to do this very thing. Christian Science declares that the so-called miracles of Christ Jesus were a manifestation of divine Principle and spiritual law, and as such may be demonstrated by any one who has the requisite understanding. This demonstration is based upon Science, and is entirely separate from superstition of any sort.

In attempting to get rid of superstition, many professed Christians have ceased to believe in the ministry of angels as having any relation to the present time at least, yet in almost every great event recorded in the Bible they have an important place. Throughout the whole earthly life of our Lord, from the annunciation of his birth up to guardianship of his tomb, we are told of their presence. After the temptation in the wilderness they "ministered unto him," and Luke tells us that in his momentous struggle in Gethsemane an angel came and strengthened him. As we follow the history of the early church, as recorded in Acts, we find many instances of deliverance wrought through angel visitants, and in Revelation their agency in human affairs appears to be perpetual.

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