Article October 26, 1912 Issue

In a recent issue I find an anonymous article under the...

John L. Rendall

Marengo (Iowa) Sentinel

In a recent issue I find an anonymous article under the caption "Fallacy of Christian Science Tenets," in which some critic who has not chosen to make himself known endeavors to prove that the first tenet of the Christian Science faith is not consistent with the Bible. It is evident to one who reads this carefully that this critic has failed to grasp the essential view-point of Christian Science, and for this reason is not qualified to criticize intelligently its teachings.

The tenet to which he objects reads as follows: "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life." Our critic states, "If this is true, that the Bible is sufficient, why does Mrs. Eddy say in Science and Health, page 456, 'A Christian Scientist requires my work Science and Health for his textbook, and so do all his students and patients'? What is this other than saying that the Bible is not sufficient?" It is a matter of common knowledge that all Christian people find it advantageous to use commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc., in order more thoroughly to understand the teachings of the Scriptures. "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" is the Christian Scientist's commentary on the Scriptures" and to them it has indeed proved to be a "Key to the Scriptures," in that it has unlocked the treasures contained therein and made them more practical to the individual need.

A great many Christian Scientists were members of orthodox Christian churches prior to their accepting Christian Science, which they accepted only because it brought into their experience a more complete and satisfactory understanding of God and man's relationship to God; and more than this, it gave them positive proof that God's power is not in any degree limited or restrained, but that through the exercise of this power they might not only be healed of whatever sinful beliefs they may have entertained but also of physical disease. Christian Science heals the sick and reforms the sinner, gives peace and comfort to those who need it, and in every respect accomplishes the full mission of the Christian religion as established by Jesus Christ. He who contends for a literal interpretation of the Scriptures misses the vital, spiritual element which is the essence of Scripture. As a matter of fact, in order to be of any value to humanity, the Scriptures must be spiritually interpreted and understood. Science and Health is giving its students this spiritual understanding of "the Word of God," and therein lies its great value. On page 406, in Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy state: "The Bible contains the recipe for all healing. 'The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.' Sin and sickness are both healed by the same Principle." This has always been true. Jesus knew it, the apostles and prophets of old knew it, but it remained for Mrs. Eddy to make it known to this age through her "Key to the Scriptures." Perhaps if our critic understood this same "Key" he also might recognize the value of Christian Science in its healing and redemptive mission.

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