Article December 27, 1913 Issue

The remarkable growth of Christian Science has attracted...

Portland (Ore.) Spectator

The remarkable growth of Christian Science has attracted the censorious attention of the Rev. Delmer H. Trimble of Centenary Methodist church, who in a series of three sermons has undertaken the task of destroying the work begun by Mrs. Eddy. The first of these subversive discourses was delivered on a recent Sunday evening; Christian Science continues to rest steadily on its firm foundation.

The reverend gentleman tells us that Christian Science is a pagan religious system that masquerades under the name of "Christian," and that it is not Christian. Very likely if it is pagan, it is not Christian; and yet its followers may be more Christian than is this critic, for no one, not even he, has ever heard any religion denounced in a Christian Science church; and he does not know any Christian Scientist who declares that his system of theology is the only true one, and that the believers in all other systems are doomed to the eternal pain of hell-fire. My imperfect acquaintance with Christian Science unfortunately comes from too infrequent meetings with those who believe in its teachings; but I have found them very sincere, tolerant, sympathetic, honest, and happy, and devout without being fanatic, a class of highly desirable citizens. From them one receives the impression that Christian Science, which the critic says is paganism, is a religion that may be practised elsewhere than is church, that is not out of place in the home or workshop or office or store, and that is serviceable during the whole seven days of the week.

Notwithstanding the reverend gentleman's somewhat unchristianlike attack, it would not surprise me if he and the Christian Scientists were traveling toward the same heaven by different ways. It may be that he is kicking against the pricks of the Christian Science theology rather than of the Christian Science religion. He is a theologian, and a theologian is one who is so furiously devoted to the letter of his own belief that he can see no good in the spirit of the other man's faith. When a preacher finds his audience yawning over his religious discourses, he begins to discuss theology, and puts his hearers to sleep.

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