Article March 4, 1911 Issue

If our critic were acquainted with Christian Science, and...

C. A. Newman—Sydney.

Australian Christian World

If our critic were acquainted with Christian Science, and understood even in a degree its teachings and the method of applying its teachings to the uplifting of humanity, both physically and morally, he would not be so hasty in passing judgment upon it. Christian Science bases its claims to recognition solely upon its works. I say this in spite of the fact that a Christian Scientist recently failed to heal a case of disease.

Because the father relied upon Christian Science, the writer assumes there was "neglect to care properly for the child." That the father was convicted for neglecting to administer the medicine prescribed by the doctor would be nearer the facts. It is a matter of opinion as to whether the father properly cared for the child, and it is impossible to state definitely that the child would have recovered had a material remedy been administered. There are adherents of Christian Science in the community who sadly deplore the fact that they knew nothing of its teachings when the drug failed in a similar instance, and there are members of the denomination who can state that Christian Science treatment was successful in other cases, while neighbors who relied upon material means met with failure.

It is encouraging that the writer recognizes "just enough truth in Mrs. Eddy's doctrine to keep it from absolute corruption." Many critics are even less generous. Regarding the statement that "there is so great an amount of pure superstition founded on a misreading of Scripture, and so complete misunderstanding of the relations that ought to obtain between man and his Maker, that there is no wonder susceptible people go astray," I may say that Mrs. Eddy has given to the world an interpretation of the Bible which has been the means of uplifting thousands from sin and suffering and restoring them to health and happiness when all other means had failed. This interpretation, with abundant proofs to support it, is based upon the understanding of the relations that do "obtain between man and his Maker." Surely the statements that "God is a Spirit," and "God created man in his own image," cannot be regarded as a misreading of the Scripture; and if these statements are accepted, is not the following conclusion logically correct, that man is not material, but spiritual?

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