Article July 19, 1913 Issue

A Christian Scientist is not one "who deliberatly chooses...

Frank Bell—Peckville, Pa.

The Journal

A Christian Scientist is not one "who deliberatly chooses to die without medical care." Christian Scientists share the common desire of humanity for long life and good health. In the case under discussion the person referred to did not elect to die, but instead sought the method of treatment which in his opinion was most likely to heal him. No question of the law as to whether a man's life is his own was involved in this case, because good law and good sense alike acknowledge the right of a sick man to seek relief in the best means of which he is aware.

The mistaken conclusion in this instance seems to proceed from the assumption that one who eschews medical treatment for Christian Science is thereby dispensing with all means of relief. Such an idea could be entertained only in disregard of abundant and unanswerable evidence that Christian Science treatment really does something for the sick, and does it as a rule most effectively and satisfactorily, in accordance with a well-defined and proved method. Its occasional failure should be considered in the light of the fact that its great growth has been founded on the preponderance of its successes.

The advocates of medical treatment for the sick are not of one mind on any important phase of the healing work. In no profession, except possibly theology, are there more widely divergent views as to fundamentals. Experimentation is no less a feature of medical practise today than it has been for some thousands of years. If therefore the law were to undertake to require medical treatment for the sick, it could not consistently refrain from designation the particular kind or kinds of medical treatment to be employed. We can fancy the interesting time a legislature would have in trying to frame such a law.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
An evangelist at one of the city churches thinks it is an...
July 19, 1913
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit