Article April 15, 1911 Issue

The abstract statement "All is Mind and there is no...

Alfred Farlow

Springfield (Mass.) Republican

The abstract statement "All is Mind and there is no matter" has been extensively elaborated in the Christian Science text-book, in order to make sure that the student understands the subject. It does not mean that creation is an illusion, but that everything from the least to the greatest which is real, exists as the creation of God, Spirit, partakes of His nature, and is therefore not what it seems to the unenlightened human mind, to that quality of understanding which does not comprehend it from a spiritual view-point. The simplest lesson of Christianity, "God is a Spirit," demands spiritual consideration. What our critic has denominated "consciousness" and the "testimony of man" must be set aside for the acceptance of this lesson. The senses declare: "I do not believe there is any such thing as Spirit; I do not see Spirit," but disregarding material testimony the Christian accepts the Scriptural teaching, "God is a Spirit." One needs only to be consistent with such an acceptance to endorse the entire teaching of Christian Science. In the consideration of this subject the gentleman has not only to deal with Christian Science, but with the opinions of modern scientists everywhere. Even physicists affirm that matter is simply "force," a "mode of energy." One of the greatest of modern scientists has declared his ability to demonstrate the absolute unreality of matter.

The critic declares, "Apart from its therapeutic claims, Christian Science would never have created a ripple in the social sea." To this we readily agree. If Christian Science were not demonstrable, if it did not make good its promises to destroy human woes, it would have no right to claim attention, for to this end was Christianity established primarily. Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The value of any particular interpretation of the Scripture is dependent upon the good which it brings. Christian Science has been in vogue for about forty years, and no doubt our critic will admit that Christian Scientists are quite as clean both in body and mind as they were before they knew anything about Christian Science. Most persons are willing to go a step farther and admit that they are even cleaner both in body and mind than they were formerly; and this is unmistakable evidence that Christian Scientists do not ignore filth and sin, but destroy it. Mrs. Eddy herself was a striking example of this fact. It is the unreasonable hygienic methods which are repudiated by Christian Science, not necessary means of cleanliness. Pure air, pure food, purity of environment are entirely in keeping with Christian Science, for the purest and best in the material most nearly approaches the spiritual. It is entirely natural that those who become elevated in their ideals should seek the improvement of their material surroundings. Thus it may be noted that Christian Science stimulates improvement in every line. While it plants itself unreservedly upon the Scriptural teaching that Spirit, Mind, is the only creator, and that sin and disease, being no part of God's creation, have not an absolute but simply a relative existence, Christian Scientists do not ignore these, but realize that they must be dealt with intelligently and thereby destroyed.

Christian Scientists recognize that there is apparent discord in the imperfect human state of existence, but that this discord will be destroyed as mortals advance spiritually and thus manifest ideal manhood. Christian Scientists call sickness by the same name that is employed by others, although they differ from some in their understanding as to its nature and as so the proper remedy therefor. The Master of Christianity referred to a woman as having been "bound by Satan," and he described Satan as a "liar" and referred to his offspring as "a lie." Does our critic believe there is danger of becoming untruthful and vitiating one's character by following the example of the Master, by classifying all evil as the work of the adversary and further declaring, in accord with the Master's declaration; that it is simply "a lie" or a falsity? A Christian should have no compunction of conscience in classifying the discords of life as outlaws, according to the example of Christ Jesus, especially when by so doing he is more effectual in his efforts to overcome them. Humanly speaking, we may classify disease as germ or otherwise, but if through an understanding of Truth it is destroyed, we thereby establish the fact that it should be properly classified as error. No doubt when our critic becomes better acquainted with Christian Scientists he will discover that they are philanthropists in every sense of the word. While the new understanding of Truth which Christian Science affords may lift them in a large measure above the suffering which is usually occasioned by deprivation, they do not on this account lose their sympathy, and what they have gained should be considered commendable. If Christianity has any mission whatever, it is to overcome sin and distress.

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