Article September 30, 1911 Issue

Our critic affirms that Christian Science heals "by hypnosis...

Alfred Farlow

New Orleans (La.) Picayune

Our critic affirms that Christian Science heals "by hypnosis and suggestion." We affirm that Christian Science heals by nothing short of the divine power.

I shall not undertake to discuss the elaborate mental treatment which the gentleman quotes, and which he immediately discredits as not being Christian, for it is not a Christian Science treatment, and was not made by a Christian Scientist. It is not a part of my business to defend those methods which are out of harmony with Christian Science, and which on that account are out of harmony with purely spiritual Truth. I agree with our critic that such methods were employed long before Christian Science was discovered. If they had been true and adequate there would have been no need of Christian Science, and it never would have been discovered. While they illustrate the physical phenomena which may be occasioned by varied and changing mental conditional, they do not demonstrate the power of God, nor are they worthy and final methods. The world cannot be blamed for doing its best with the means at hand, "but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." Now that Mrs. Eddy has given to mankind an understanding of the purely spiritual Christ-method of treating the sick, we should avail ourselves of the blessing that is for us by putting this method into practice and proving for ourselves what may be done by an unreserved reliance upon God.

While Christian Scientists make no pretensions toward any more knowledge than the ordinary layman possesses regarding diagnosis, that he really does have a deeper knowledge of the nature of disease is evidenced by the good results which he obtains in his practice. The mere fact that two states in the Union have trespassed upon individual Privilege sufficiently to make an unconstitutional law that Christians shall not make a charge for their service is not a matter to boast of. The shame is upon those who have made the law, not upon Christian Science, and it is needless to say that an unconstitutional law will be short-lived. It only exists so long as the people are deceived as to the real import of Christian Science. The good fruits of Christian Science which are forthcoming daily will eventually be convincing to all. Christian Science is running the gantlet of opposition which is experienced by every new thing, and for this reason Christian Scientists do not allow themselves to be provoked because of the effort on the part of a few uninformed persons to stifle the free usage of Christian Science; on the contrary, they are patient and hopeful, relying upon the fact expressed in the oft-repeated lines.—

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The word "worry" covers a multitude of sins, according...
September 30, 1911
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit