Article April 4, 1914 Issue

The decision as to what constitutes a Christian might safely...

Frank Bell—Lock Haven, Pa.

The Daily Democrat

The decision as to what constitutes a Christian might safely be left, it would seem, to the test laid down by the Founder of Christianity. There is no record that he formulated a creed or required his followers to subscribe to certain set statements of their religious convictions. On the contrary, we are told that he denounced the doctrinaires of his day, denied the availability of mere profession, and gave his followers to understand they should be judged by their fruits. Those who were worthy to be considered as believing on him, should demonstrate the quality of their discipleship not only by preaching but by healing, as witness the declarations, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also," and, "These signs shall follow them that believe."

The one preeminent command of the Master to those who would be his followers was that they teach all men the things he had commanded them. Our friend by a wave of the hand, as it were, would relegate Christian Science beyond the pale of Christianity; yet Christianity Science is distinguished chiefly by the fact that it insists on the same test of Christianity today as was required nineteen hundred years ago. It utterly repudiates the idea of any saving grace in profession or confession of doctrines or dogma, and plants itself on the simple proposition that the best Christian is the one who is most Christlike in thought and deed.

Those who consistently follow the teachings of Mrs. Eddy find themselves, as a rule, so well occupied in helping their fellow men out of the bondage of sin and sickness that no time remains for criticizing the beliefs of others, even if they were inclined to indulge in that kind of recreation.

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
Christian Science does not teach that sickness and sin are...
April 4, 1914
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit