Article May 15, 1915 Issue

The comment in a recent issue, in which the legislature...

Ezra W. Palmer

Limon (Col.) Express

The comment in a recent issue, in which the legislature was praised for refusing to outlaw different schools of healing, is endorsed by all liberty-loving citizens. The state has no business to have medical opinions, Professor James long ago pointed out. Certainly the state should not attempt to favor one school of healing at the expense of others. The individual in the pursuit of health should be free to adopt that system of healing he prefers, so long as its practice does not interfere with the rights of others.

Your comment, however, does not adhere strictly to this doctrine when it advances the proposition that Christian Scientists should not be allowed to have their children treated by Christian Science. If Christian Science is beneficial to the adult, why not to the child? A parent who had been healed by Christian Science when other systems failed, would naturally rely on it. He would therefore reasonably desire it for his family; and that his desire has a safe basis has been repeatedly demonstrated by the healing through Christian Science of the ills of children when all other means had failed. Can any just reason be advanced why the state should interfere and force a system of treatment distasteful to parent and child, with perchance distinctly unfavorable results?

The weak sentimentality which vents itself in tears and threats over alleged cruelties to children under Christian Science treatment has no genuine foundation. The vociferous expounders of this cruelty to children fabrication are usually those who, through prejudice or self-interest, desire some check to be placed upon the growth and prosperity of Christian Science. Beyond question, Christian Scientists are convinced of the value of Christian Science treatment, and if this to them is the road to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," who is there to deny them this priceless privilege.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The comment in a recent issue, in which the legislature...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access