In a recent issue of your journal I have noticed reference...

Science Sifitings

In a recent issue of your journal I have noticed reference to Christian Science, which, the critic maintains, denies that there is any sin. The teaching of Christian Science is so clear and emphatic on this question that I will ask you, in fairness to your readers, to allow me to say a few words on the subject. It is true that Christian Science denies sin most emphatically, but certainly not in the manner implied by the critic. Far from denying sin, in the sense of ignoring it, Christian Science is reiterating the teaching of Christ Jesus, which was so wonderfully illustrated in that statement, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." In Science and Health, on page 497, Mrs. Eddy writes, "We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal." Now, if sin or the inclination to sin were real, that is, if it constituted a part of the perfect creation of God, it would be useless to attempt to get rid of it, to forgive or destroy it. It is, however, just because sin and evil are unreal, that is, not of God, that those in bondage to sin find relief through Christian Science today, just as men two thousand years ago, by an honest appeal for help.

Christian Science, therefore, does not merely say that sin is unreal, but it shows the sinner how he may obtain his freedom from tha bondage of it forever, with the result that he has no further inclination or desire to sin. The Founder of Christianity set up a standard which leaves no room for misunderstanding. The statement, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also," is capable of but one interpretation, and Mrs. Eddy, in discovering and founding Christian Science, saw that mere theory was of little avail, but that if the teaching of Jesus the Christ was true, it was scientific and demonstrable, and it was for this reason that she always emphasized the fact that Christian Science is based upon the healing of sickness and the destruction of sin, and that it must be judged by its works, and in no other way.

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

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit