Article August 10, 1912 Issue

I have read the letter recently published under the heading...

Algernon Hervey-Bathurst

Newcastle (Eng.) Mail

I have read the letter recently published under the heading "Christian Science," and I fail to see how it can be said that Christian Science is "seeking to press the teaching of Christ into its service," since Christian Science is entirely based upon and cannot be practised without an understanding of the teaching of Jesus. Also, it would surely seem, from the argument set forth in the letter referred to, that anything to which reference is made, however condemnatory, in the Bible could claim a Scriptural foundation. With regard to the critic's reference to the teaching of Christian Science, however, will you permit me to refer, briefly, to one or two of the points mentioned? As regards the personality of God, Christian Science does most certainly deny this, as must the Church of England, or any other church, if the word "personality" is used in the ordinarily accepted sense of the term. God is admitted to be the one infinite creator; but it is scarcely possible to think of God, Spirit, who is infinite, omnipotent, omnipresent, as a person; that is, a limited personality. "If," Mrs. Eddy writes on page 116 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "the term personality, as applied to God, means infinite personality, then God is infinite Person,—in the sense of infinite personality, but not in the lower sense." This shows clearly the teaching of Christian Science on this subject.

With regard to the great question of the doctrine of atonement, or at-one-ment, our critic will find a whole chapter in the Christian Science text-book devoted to this question. In agreement with all Christians, Christian Scientists look upon Jesus the Christ as the Wayshower, and they maintain that in accomplishing all he did, he marked out the way for others, showing all who are willing and able to understand his teaching and to follow his example, that they must eventually overcome sin, sickness, and even death. With regard to the "miracles of healing," Christian Science most certainly agrees that these were accomplished "by virtue of his divine power;" and there is surely nothing in the New Testament to show that the example of Jesus was never to be followed; there is, on the contrary, much to show that every Christian is bound, if he accepts the teaching of Christ Jesus, to prove his faith by his works. Why did the disciples and others heal the sick and do many "miracles," if others were not to do likewise? "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do," Jesus said, and that saying is so emphatic and clear that no room is left for doubt as to its meaning, although various commentaries and interpretations may affirm that such a statement could not be meant to apply to the conditions prevailing in the twentieth century.

"The sick, the sinning, and the sorrowful" are just as much in need of relief and comfort today as they were two thousand years ago, and the only remedy which was employed by Jesus and his disciples is still the most efficacious. While every Christian Scientist recognizes full well how far he yet is from a full realization of the spiritual or scientific meaning of what the Master taught, he who has experienced the healing and regenerative power of Christian Science knows that according to his willingness to let the Mind be in him that was also in Christ Jesus, will he be able to demonstrate more fully the proofs which must result from the understanding of the teaching of Christ Jesus.

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