Article January 20, 1912 Issue

Regarding my statement that the criticism of Christian Science...

Alfred Farlow—Cincinnati, O.

Christian Standard

Regarding my statement that the criticism of Christian Science is due to an endorsement of material sense as opposed to spiritual understanding, you say, "We measured them with all the 'sense' at our command." Allow me to ask what sort of sense you employ when you accept the teaching, "God is a Spirit." Material sense denies the Master's teaching. It declares, "I do not see any spirit, I do not believe there is any spirit." Setting aside material testimony, however, the Christian endorses the Master's teaching, and it is only necessary to be consistent with this teaching to endorse the whole of Christian Science.

As to the authenticity of the carnal mind or mortal mind, please note the following from St. Paul: "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." God, good, the infinite Spirit, the divine Mind, is Truth opposed to error. The carnal mind, being at enmity with Truth, is properly denominated error or false sense, and this manifestly is the identical thing that Jesus had in mind when he said of the devil that he "abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him." He evidently meant that Satan has no real existence, does not really abide, because he has no reality (no truth) in him.

Mrs. Eddy's teaching recognizes the human sense of material existence and all that is associated therewith, and considers the fact that sin and disease must be grappled with and overcome in an intelligent manner. It does not ignore evil. However, one cannot be a consistent Bible student and at the same time classify these ungodlike things as a part of the "very good" things which God created. It cannot be successfully contradicted that, when all error ceases in the world and mankind is governed absolutely by righteousness, suffering and discord will cease, and that this is in keeping with the teaching of the Scriptures. Again, it cannot be successfully contradicted that wrong-doing is based upon the belief of pleasure or profit in evil, and that therefore deception is directly responsible for all erroneous thought and conduct, and indirectly responsible for all suffering, and that therefore a knowledge of truth practised will end error and its results.

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
According to report the clergyman offered his tribute...
January 20, 1912
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit