Article June 20, 1914 Issue

In a recent report, in part, of a sermon delivered by the...

Brigman C. Odom—McKinney, Texas

The Courier-Gazette

In a recent report, in part, of a sermon delivered by the Rev. Mr.—at the First Methodist church of McKinney, are statements concerning Christian Science which are wholly untrue. The burden of the minister's effort is to show that this teaching is unscientific and antichristian. He says: "There is not an accredited natural scientist in America who will give endorsement to Mrs. Eddy's system as being scientific." He might have added that there is not an avowed infidel in the whole world who would accept the teachings of Jesus the Christ. That there is no affinity between things which are diametrically opposed, all will readily agree. Light and darkness cannot dwell together. The material theories of this world are foolishness to the spiritually-minded, according to the Scriptures. "They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." One seeking spiritual guidance and enlightenment would not apply to a natural scientist; accordingly, one whose conclusions are drawn from so-called material law could hardly be expected to endorse such purely spiritual or metaphysical teachings as are the basis of Christian Science.

The materialists of Jesus' time did not accept the teachings of the Master; even the established religious thought of that period was at variance with these teachings. Jesus plunged beneath the surface of things material, rejecting the commonly accepted religious doctrines of men, and taught the unseen verities of God. It was this, the opposition of materialism to spirituality, that led to the crucifixion. Because Mrs. Eddy has dared to disregard the traditions of dogma and creed, and has given to the world an interpretation of the Bible which brings salvation from disease as well as from sin, a preacher at McKinney denounces her teachings; but the fruits of Christian Science show that his statements were prompted presumably by ignorance of the facts.

If it is unscientific to understand and to teach that God is infinite good and "a very present help in trouble," to know Him "the only true God," and Jesus Christ whom He sent, then Christian Science is unscientific. Science is knowledge of fundamental truth, and hence is demonstrable. Christian Science is scientific because its basis is the law of God and because it is demonstrable; it is Christian because it takes the teachings of Jesus the Christ as its authority, and through its understanding of these teachings it is fulfilling in the world today the mission Jesus delivered to his disciples: "As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils."

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