Article August 5, 1911 Issue

In the brief extracts, printed in a recent issue, of Dr. Cudlipp's...

Howard C. Van Meter

Portland (Ore.) Telegram

In the brief extracts, printed in a recent issue, of Dr. Cudlipp's paper read before the ministers at their monthly meeting, one finds much to commend, particularly when he declares, "There is a tendency to a more practical, a more sane conception of what it means to be a Christian." However, he immediately follows this by criticizing Christian Science, presumably for enabling a person to be just such a Christian. The teaching of Christian Science, when understood and practised, results in freedom from evil of all kinds, and thus the individual may express an activity that is indicative of obedience to God through an understanding of His law; and this is properly what a "practical and sane conception of Christianity" should do. If Christian Scientists believe that sickness as well as sin should be abolished through obedience to God, we may well ask the gentleman for which of these good works he is stoning us.

The gentleman declares Christian to be nothing short of pantheism. This confusion is due to failure to perceive the difference between Spirit and spiritual law and the material sense of things. When Christian Science teaches the reality and unity of Spirit and spiritual creation, it does not try to spiritualize matter and make it a part of God. The gentleman's regret because of the toleration which permits those in distress to avail themselves of a "practical and sane" teaching wherein God is shown to be an ever-present help in time of need, is scarcely in accord with the consideration which he is called to manifest toward that which is daily blessing thousands of our fellow beings. When he says "they [Christian Scientists] would have disease and death run riot in our streets," he may have intended to mean that contagion is ignored by the people of this denomination. I will say that any tendency to carelessness in this respect is inexcusable and wholly unwarranted by the teaching of Christian Science. A proper regard for not only the municipal requirements but also the beliefs of others is enjoined, and where this is not in evidence it is not the fault of the teaching. It is true, as the gentleman states, that the practice of Christian Science does "aim at the sacred place called home," with which he concludes the above-quoted sentence, and the increase of happiness seen in homes where discord has reigned is one of the proofs of its potency for good.

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In the brief extracts, printed in a recent issue, of Dr. Cudlipp's...

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