Article April 6, 1912 Issue

The statement of our clerical critic, that the faith or...

C. R. Munro

Kingston (Ont.) Standard

The statement of our clerical critic, that the faith or philosophy of Christian Science is "a false philosophy," is based on an entirely erroneous concept of what Christian Science really teaches. He admits that there is much good in Christian Science, and as this good is the direct outcome of its teachings, the teachings cannot be false, as he seems to think. The important premises of Christian Science are that "God is All-in-all" and "God is Spirit" (Science and Health, pp. 113 and 117); and every statement contained in the text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is consistent with these premises. It is quite possible that what may appear to a critic as inconsistent in Christian Science, will be found on a further study to be entirely consistent.

The abstract statement that matter, sin, sickness, and death are unreal, does not fully express the teaching of Christian Science on these subjects. Christian Scientists apply the word reality only to those things that are created by God, Spirit, and that are, therefore, indestructible and eternal. This use of the term is in line with Paul's statement that "the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." That Jesus did not believe in the reality of sickness and sin is shown by the fact that he destroyed them whenever he came in contact with them. Had they been real and God-created, they would have been eternal, and Jesus could not have destroyed them. As everything that God made was pronounced to be "very good," and He made all that really exists, then if God created sin and sickness, they must be "very good," and Jesus would not have attempted their destruction, since we are told that he went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed with the devil.

After all, the best evidence as to the truth or falsity of our faith or teaching is found in the results that follow it. Jesus said, "The tree is known by his fruit;" and James said, "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." The critic who attempts to show that Christian Science teachings are false, should first show that he is in a position to judge or pass an intelligent opinion on the matter; and the only way in which he can prove he is competent to do so is by actual demonstration, by healing the sick according to its rules. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;" and he also said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Christian Scientists are endeavoring in their own quiet way to do God's will in the way our Master taught, and they have only the kindliest feelings for all who are working toward that end.

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