Article April 6, 1912 Issue

The Bible of the Christian Scientists is the King James...

Frank Bell

Chambersburg (Pa.) Public Opinion

The Bible of the Christian Scientists is the King James version of the Scriptures commonly used by Christian denominations. This Bible is studied daily by Christian Scientists, and it occupies a larger place in the public services in Christian Science churches than in those of any other denomination. The Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is not considered by any Christian Scientist as a Bible or a substitute for the Scriptures, but rather as a commentary or "key," as its title implies. Other religious bodies use Bible commentaries, and the sermons of their pastors are put forth as explanatory of the Scriptures in the light of their individual beliefs. Are Christian Scientists alone to be denied the privilege of interpretation?

That which has healed and is healing multitudes of victims of sin and disease through the application of spiritual law, may not easily be proved to be "neither Christian nor scientific." Certainly no man's mere opinion to that effect is proof against the great volume of evidence available. The Master defined a Christian thus: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;" and "These signs shall follow them that believe; ... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." He instructed the first Christians, his disciples, not merely to preach but to heal, and to teach all nations all things he had commanded them. Christian Scientists judge of the degree of their Christianity by this test. To say that the author of the Christian Science text-book did not measure up fully to the ideal of Christ adds nothing to the sum of human knowledge, for she said the same of herself many times. Like Paul, she counted not to have attained, but rejoiced in the opportunity and the ability to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling."

Christian Science does not undertake to employ any so-called "power of mind upon mind," nor any belief that the "mind affects the body and that the body can be made to resist dissolution or pain by the taking of thought and the exercise of will-power." No such theories are countenanced anywhere in the authorized writings or teachings of Christian Science. They belong wholly to various movements which have sprung up in attempted imitation of Christian Science either within or without other modern churches. Christian Science places final dependence not on human intelligence, human will, or human organisms. It attributes all power to God, and offers to teach mortals how to apprehend and use this great fact to their infinite advantage. The spiritual personality of God is affirmed, not denied by Christian Science. It does deny that He is personal in anything like the ordinary human sense of personality, such as would be incompatible with omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience.

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