Article February 3, 1912 Issue

It is reported in your columns that a revivalist in your...

Ida Hodnett

Birmingham (Ala.) Ledger

It is reported in your columns that a revivalist in your city said in an address he was sure Christian Science was of the devil. In your fair-minded attitude and desire to be just, you will no doubt courteously permit a reply from the Christian Science side.

"The works of the flesh," or carnal mind, which are named in Galatians (v, 19-21), are admittedly works of the devil, and the apostle graphically shows the contrast between these works and those of the Spirit. The first named are admittedly wrong; the last, admittedly right. In the text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," a book which has unlocked for its students the treasures of the Bible, the following may be found on page 448: "It is Christian Science to do right, and nothing short of right doing has any claim to the name." Again and again its students are enjoined to break the bondage of the carnal mind, the slavery of passion, selfishness, envy, hatred, revenge, deceit, and so on, and its teaching shows them how to do so. The lives of genuine Christian Scientists are open to the inspection of all. While aware of shortcomings and that they have not reached the heights of perfection, they are conscious that the desire grows stronger to obey the injunction of the apostle Paul: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." They endeavor to be honest, just, and true in dealings with their fellow men; to be kind, sincere, and courteous in social relations; and to live in peace with all men. "By their fruits ye shall know them."

Without reference to the physical healing to which the reverend gentleman objects, the moral uplifting of the adherents of Christian Science—making them better citizens, better fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, bringing out clean and joyous lives—this effect alone stamps their religion as of God, the divine Mind, and not of the carnal mind, or devil. It may be said, however, of the physical healing, that physicians of all schools have admitted that the state of mind has much to do with the recovery of the sick.

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