Article June 12, 1915 Issue

Some of the statements made by Dr.—in the course of...

J. Arnold Haughton

Radcliffe (England) Times

Some of the statements made by Dr.—in the course of his sermon on "The Modern Search for God," reported at length in a recent issue, show that he has not perceived the true nature and operation of Christian Science. To say that Christian Scientists conceive the saving power of religion "so meanly and selfishly" is the direct opposite of the truth; for on page 113 of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says, "The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love." Christian Science is essentially a religion of love, and the explanation of its mighty achievements and its rapid growth is to be found in the statement on page 192 of the same book, that "whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power."

It is not correct to say that Christian Scientists "regard religion as a medicinal influence, a sort of disinfectant or anodyne, that may prove its value to a doubting world by curing dyspepsia and nervous worries." It is perfectly true, of course, that Christian Science heals the sick, and heals not only sickness of the kind mentioned in the statement just quoted, but every type of disease, including organic and so-called incurable diseases. The mission of Christian Science, however, "is not primarly one of physical healing," but "to take away the sins of the world" (Science and Health, p. 150). Its physical healings are the signs which Jesus said should "follow them that believe," and as such are proof of a spiritual understanding of God on the part of the Christian Scientist. Its real mission is to impart this spiritual understanding to mankind, and it is practical in its results only because it is spiritual in its import. The doctor may rest assured that Christian Scientists are among those who realize most clearly that to redeem human society "nothing short of a divine redemption will suffice."

It ought to be added that Christian Science differs fundamentally from "New Thought," which is mentioned by our critic in the same connection as Christian Science.

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Some of the statements made by Dr.—in the course of...

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