Article September 4, 1915 Issue

My attention has been called to issues of your valued paper...

John L. Rendall

Waterloo (Iowa) Courier and Reporter

My attention has been called to issues of your valued paper in which there appeared accounts of lectures delivered by the Rev. Mr.—,in which he took occasion to denounce Christian Science. It is stated that "Doctor — read the Scripture passages which clearly foretold that at the end of this age there should arise those who should teach false doctrines and doctrines of demons;" and further: "This age is now upon us. We are surrounded by these delusions. He then named them, Christian Science, Russellism, theosophy, spiritualism, etc." A favorite method with some critics, for the purposes of their criticism, is to read into Scripture passages meanings which were never intended to be there, without due consideration as to whether the resultant criticisms are valid or otherwise.

The interpretations of Scripture are many and varied, and the tendency is for each individual to consider his particular interpretation as the correct one. This has led to much by way of intemperate and unwarranted denunciation of the views of others, which views may perhaps more clearly accord with the real meaning of Scripture than those entertained by the critic. There is a very positive basis upon which may be determined the accuracy of one's interpretation of Scripture, namely, that given by Jesus when he said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." The arbitrary statement that Scriptural passages relating to "those who would teach false doctrines" are applicable to Christian Scientists, is pure assumption and altogether incapable of proof. In fact, the proof is on the other side. The effect of the Christian Science teaching upon the lives and characters of those who have embraced such teaching, is such as to preclude the possibility of this arraignment being true. Just what the "doctrines of demons" may be is an open question. It is certain, however, that this term cannot properly be applied to Christian Science or its teachings.

To designate Christian Science a "delusion" is utterly to fail to comprehend its essential mission, which briefly is the regeneration of mankind, physically, morally, and spiritually. Its teachings are freeing humanity from the delusions of sin and sickness, as well as the delusions incident to false appetites, sensuality, and the like. Instead, therefore, of being a delusion, it is that which destroys delusions, and is giving to mankind such a clear understanding of man's relation to God as to free humanity from the bonds of sickness and sin. To enter upon a discussion concerning the deity of Jesus the Christ, would perhaps require more space than is permissible in this article and would involve a theological discussion. Suffice it to say that Christian Science stands squarely on its teaching—which accords exactly with Scripture—of one God, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." It teaches that Christ is "the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error" (Science and Health, p. 583). Concerning Deity we read: "As the mythology of pagan Rome has yielded to a more spiritual idea of Deity, so will our material theories yield to spiritual ideas, until the finite gives place to the infinite, sickness to health, sin to holiness, and God's kingdom comes 'in earth, as it is in heaven'" (p. 339). A little better understanding of what Christian Science really teaches would perhaps restrain our critical friends from making statements which are entirely incorrect, and thus save them from considerable embarrassment.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

My attention has been called to issues of your valued paper...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access