Article February 27, 1915 Issue

A recent issue contained a sketch of Dr.—'s opinion...

John H. Wheeler

Kansas City (Mo.) Journal

A recent issue contained a sketch of Dr.—'s opinion concerning the religious theory and practice of Christian Science. While the doctor frankly stated that "the faith of Christian Scientists has its 'strong point' in that it brings conviction to the minds of its members who have been healed by it," yet he says that "the church is not in entire sympathy with the poor." It is not stated why he assumes this, but possibly because Scientists do not publicly foster institutions for the indigent poor. This would not imply that the hands of Christian Scientists are not open toward the needy and deserving poor. Mrs. Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science, says that love, "as a human quality, ... is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret, ... the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a side door; ... the gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark places of earth" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 250).

Students of economic problems, seeking causes for poverty, generally agree that the best way to help the indigent is to teach them how to develop their own resources and self-realiance. Christian Scientists, with their usual energy, seek to do this. Their faith accounts for their general prosperity, and is not due to their being a wealthy class, as the doctor avers. They are from all walks of life, and Christian Science teaches them how to approach more nearly a general standard of normal living, even as Jesus commanded: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." The doctor suggests that diseases cured by Christian Science are functional rather than organic; but his acknowledgment of the healing carries with it a consent that the statements were also truthful concerning the disease of which patients were healed. Conclusively, then, there is no difference between organic and functional diseases, with the great Physician, for "God is no respecter of persons."

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