Article October 10, 1914 Issue

In a recent sermon the Rev. Mr.— is reported in your...

Charles H. S. King

Eugene (Ore.) Guard

In a recent sermon the Rev. Mr.—is reported in your paper to have asserted that Christian Scientists—together with certain others whose beliefs differ from his own—are "adherents of a religion other than the Christian religion." This is a rather important assertion for a minister of the gospel to make, and I am sure that you will be willing to give space for an answer to the charge.

In the first place, it cannot be denied that many of the teachings of Christian Science differ from those of the reverend critic. But this fact does not in the least invalidate Christian Science or by any means lead to his astonishing conclusion—that Christian Science is not Christian. If he had taken the trouble to study Christian Science and find out exactly what it does teach, his only justifiable conclusion would be that Christian Science is different from his own belief; and he would have been spared the contumely of making a statement which cannot stand the test of logic.

This statement is very familiar. The bitterest criticisms of Christian Science have come from the theologians, because it challenges their emphasis of doctrine. But the people have accepted Christian Science because it meets their need. This phenomenon is merely the repetition of history, and reveals the solid foundation of Christian Science. The theologians in Jesus' time seemed to find no greater satisfaction than when they called Jesus a sinner, but the people received him gladly, and glorified God for having given such power as he manifested, unto men. The theologians today minimize the works of Christianity and magnify its doctrine. Christian Science magnifies the works of Christianity and does not neglect its doctrine. This identifies Christian Science with the very spirit and genius of Christianity. Is it not a big leap, then, to the conclusion that Christian Science is not Christian?

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