The writer whose opinions on the subject of Christian Science...

The News

The writer whose opinions on the subject of Christian Science are printed in a recent issue, is not original in his conclusion that if Christian Science were to dispense with everything wherein it appears to differ from his views, it might thereby become unobjectionable to persons of intelligence. A similar thought has been modestly put forth from time to time by not a few persons who have essayed to address the public on that theme.

Our critic is less commonplace, however, in the further assertion that Christian Science does appear to be coming around to his way of thinking,—is in fact "steadily changing front." Here is an important discovery, if true, because Christian Science is of vital concern to a large and constantly increasing body of men and women throughout the world. But when one comes to examine that which is offered in support of this rather startling conclusion, it is evident that not Christian Science, but only our friend's opinion in regard thereto, has changed. In explanation of the assertion that Christian Science "is today openly acknowledging what twenty years ago it strenuously denied," he says, "I refer to its admission that sickness, disease, is an actual physical condition, and not necessarily imaginary."

Twice twenty years have passed since the first publication of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. On page 460 of that book we find the statement that "sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal,—that is, to the frightened, false sense of the patient. Sickness is more than a fancy; it is solid conviction." And it is explained that the practice of Christian Science does not consist of buffeting the sick "with the superficial and cold assertion, 'Nothing ails you.' " Christian Science teaching always has been that disease is just as much of a reality as any other physical phenomenon; that sickness is a logical and inevitable incident to that imperfect and abnormal sense of existence in which life is regarded as a mere vitalization of material organisms and man as a highly developed fleshly machine.

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