Article May 10, 1913 Issue

In a recent issue there appears a letter by a member of...

Paul S. Seeley

Merrill (Ore.) Record

In a recent issue there appears a letter by a member of the medical profession which without warrant in fact misrepresents the teachings of Christian Science. I am confident that your sense of equity will permit me to correct the erroneous statements. Christian Scientists, it is true, do not agree with the theories and practises of the medical fraternity. They do, however, respect those who believe in material remedies, and it is no part of their religion to persecute or condemn any man for a belief honestly entertained. Their faith is based on the teachings of the Bible and the words and works of Christ Jesus, who showed the power of God, who is Love, to overcome and cast out the devils of evil tendencies and heal the sick from their evil beliefs. They believe absolutely in his declaration, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," and they have ample proof that this truth, the true understanding of God, is able to heal the sick and bind up the broken-hearted. Within less than half a century the teachings of Christian Science have encircled the globe, and have convinced many thousands of the world's best thinkers of the present reality of God's power to liberate mankind from its burdens of evil, sickness, and sin.

Perhaps your contributor may be honest in his belief that Christian Science is "religious fanaticism," and that the only "rational" way to render aid to the sick is through the ministrations of his profession. It seems proper, however, for your readers to note that though the medical profession dates back more than two thousand years before the coming of Christ Jesus, that he placed no dependence upon its practises, but relied entirely upon the ever-present spirit of Truth to do his healing work. And that his work was not personal or confined to any particular age he made clear when he said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

If Christian Science be "fanaticism," then are the believers in the present efficacy of the teachings of the Messiah fanatics. If the prayer of faith to the one almighty Father, God, be irrational treatment for the sick, then where is the hope of humanity to rest? Are we limited to the practises of medicine, which during the four thousand years of their usage have failed permanently to free mankind from a single disease? Have we not a right as "heirs of God, and heirs with Christ," to seek relief from our diseases and troubles through spiritual means? Certain it is that thousands are finding through the teachings of Christian Science a God who comforts and who heals. They have found that sickness and sin are irrational, abnormal, never created or supported by God, and that they cannot endure before the understanding of man as made in God's image and likeness, perfect and eternal.

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