Article March 15, 1913 Issue

Christian Science is absolutely unallied to the occult, but...

Jesse Pickard—New York, N. Y.

Town Topics

Christian Science is absolutely unallied to the occult, but declares the nature and presence of one infinite God who is Truth and Love, and whose benign influence is available and acceptable to clear-minded men and women. Christian Scientists do not attempt to adapt their religion to their business, nor to influence or "treat" others obtrusively so as to influence their personal actions; they endeavor to conform their business to their religion through and by the law of Love, which they understand to be the supreme law of God. Their relation to others is summed up in the endeavor to be just and kind in thought as well as in action. They do not find their business or that of others suffers in the process. Christian Science treatment, as such, is not given unsolicited, and when given is designed solely to draw men closer to God and to heal sickness. It cannot be used for personal design. This Science teaches that "with God all things are possible;" that there is, therefore, no incurable disease. It overcomes death not with a verbal quibble such as our critic has given, but with Truth and Love, through whose efficacy the sick are healed and the sinning reformed. Results are judged not in any absurd or abnormal way, but with the candor and simplicity of the man who when healed by the spiritual power of Jesus the Christ said, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."

The ideal attitude toward evil is the direct opposite of that stated by your correspondent. Christian Science teaches that there is one power, God, who is the only real Mind or intelligence. Evil thinking is not related to this Mind, and is therefore powerless; it is for this reason neither to be indulged nor feared. The teaching that evil thought is self-destructive is certainly not new. If in place of such evil thought one persists in the consciousness of good and in the expression of love, the very foundation of all evil experiences must be overcome. On page 102 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "Mankind must learn that evil is not power. Its so-called despotism is but a phase of nothingness. Christian Science despoils the kingdom of evil, and preeminently promotes affection and virtue in families and therefore in the community."

Contrary to our friend's assumption, this Science teaches distinctly that one can approach godlikeness only as he is supremely honest and open-minded, compassionate and helpful to those about him; it further teaches that selfish introspection does not represent actual manhood, and is whooly undesirable. Man reflects God, and the function of his being is to express God's qualities, the highest and purest activity of Love. Blind belief in anything is quite undesirable. Christian Science demands the practical demonstration of good and its power, and points to the example of Christ Jesus as the guide for such demonstration. The supreme idea it represents is the superiority of good over evil in every direction.

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