Article June 27, 1914 Issue

That the Rev. Mr.—should classify Christian Science...

Thomas F. Watson

Selma (Cal.) Enterprise

That the Rev. Mr.—should classify Christian Science with "Millennial dawn, Hindu pantheism," and other cults, showed a deplorable lack of knowledge of the subject upon which he lectured. Now, it would naturally be expected that any public speaker would first inform himself thoroughly on the subject upon which he expected to speak, but it is plainly manifest to any one who knows anything whatever of Christian Science that the above-metioned speaker did not do so. The text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is easily accessible, being in most of our public libraries, and in all the Christian Science, reading-rooms, where any one can inform himself on this important subject. Christian Science has nothing whatever in common with the teachings referred to, but when the gentleman says the teaching of Christian Science is four thousand years old, Christian Scientists agree to that and even more, for the truth about God and man which it teaches is as old as God.

That Christian Science is the direct opposite of pantheism is plainly evident. According to Webster, pantheism is "the doctrine that the universe, taken or conceived of as a whole, is God; ... that there is no God but the combined forces and laws which are manifested in the existing universe;" while Christian Science teaches that God is Spirit, and not in matter. The definition of God given in Science and Health (p. 587) is as follows: "The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence."

As to the Christian Science teaching in regard to marriage, Science and Health states, "Marriage should improve the human species, becoming a barrier against vice, a protection to woman, strength to man, and a center for the affections." Again: "Marriage should signify a union of hearts. Furthermore, the time cometh of which Jesus spake, when he declared that in the resurrection there should be no more marrying nor giving in marriage, but man would be as the angels" (pp. 60, 64).

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

Send a comment to the editors