Article September 2, 1911 Issue

The abstract statement that "Christian Science opposes...

John L. Rendall

Ottumwa (Ia.) Courier

The abstract statement that "Christian Science opposes the Bible by denying the reality of matter" is one impossible of proof. The denial of matter as reality does not constitute opposition to the teachings of Scripture, neither does the denial of matter include the denial of the perfect spiritual creation, which Christian Scientists understand to be the real and eternal.

Many natural scientists define matter as simply "the externalized manifestation of human thought." As Mr. Huxley writes, "After all, what do we know of this terrible matter, except as the name for the unknown hypothetical cause of states of our own consciousness." Christian Science does not teach, "We can think our disease away by thinking our body away," but with St. Paul it teaches that the necessity is to put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man, "which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." And again it is stated, "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." It is certainly very plain that the Bible teaches the possibility of overcoming the discords and diseases of the flesh through holy, uplifting thought. Therefore, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Jesus and his disciples preached and practised this healing and saving ministry, which is therefore fundamental Christianity. For any one to attempt from a Scriptural stand-point to condemn those who are endeavoring earnestly, intelligently, and consistently to follow the precepts and example of our Master, is inconsistent and inexcusable. It is plainly taught in Christian Science that to the human sense of things, and to that sense only, sin, sickness, and death are real, while to a diviner sense of things, or the sense entertained by Christ Jesus, they become unreal in the scientific apprehension of what reality includes. The best way to overcome sickness, sin, and death is clearly pointed out in Scripture, and this overcoming includes their complete destruction. No one can overcome sin and sickness simply by "believing there is none," but it can be accomplished by knowing what is real and true in the way established by Christ Jesus.

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