Article March 21, 1914 Issue

Giving a Reason

REV. JAMES J. ROME

Because of the rapidity with which the Christian Science movement has grown, and the general interest awakened thereby, it is not to be wondered at that Christian Scientists are so frequently questioned with regard to its teachings. Nor need they shrink from any responsibility attending their identification with such a cause, or from meeting any questioner fairly and openly, since they have their faith founded on a sure foundation and are able to say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed." On page 106 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience." It is therefore well to appeal to the reason and conscience in presenting to these inquirers the claims of Christian Science.

It is not unusual to have questions like the following asked: what is Christian Science? Why does it teach this or that? What do you believe about so and so? Do you accept the Bible just as it is? How do you reconcile such seeming contradictions? etc. To meet these inquiries the Christian Scientist should ever be ready to give a reasonable reply, following the injunction of St. Peter, "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." It is true that there may be questions of a speculative nature which the Scientist, especially a beginner, may not feel able to answer. If so, he need never be afraid or ashamed to say so, and the most reasonable reply would be, "I do not know."

There is no more danger of any reflection being cast on Christian Science because one says he does not know how to answer a question, than there would be on mathematics because a person could not work out some problem. In fact, the open admission may be a great deal better than a confused attempt to explain what we have not yet demonstrated. However, a Christian Scientist should be able to give a good reason for every statement he makes, for he would not be a true Scientist that did not know why he believed what he adhered to as the truth; indeed, one can be a Christian Scientist only to the extent that he understands the reason of his hope. Having perfect assurance in our own thought with regard to the correctness of our position, we should be should be ready and willing to enlighten others and show them how this satisfaction can be obtained.

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