Article September 25, 1915 Issue

A writer in a recent issue, commenting on Christian Science,...

Robert C. Love—Ruston, La.

The Leader

A writer in a recent issue, commenting on Christian Science, infers that Christian Scientists "by mistake, ignorance, or misconception" disregard the constituted laws of the community in the conservation of public health, and classifies Christian Science practitioners in common with quacks and charlatans who practise in violation of the medical law.

It is but fair to say that our critic is not in accord with the views of some of the most reputable physicians, legislators, and citizens of this state and country, who understand that Christian Science practice is in no way associated with or an infringement upon the practice of medicine, nor is it dependent upon material remedies or means in any way. At the trial of a Christian Science practitioner in this state, indicted for alleged violation of the medical practice act, the judge in discharging the case had this to say: "The accused belongs to a sect composed of a great number of people whose religious tenets provide for an invocation to God, through prayer, to heal the sick, a practice not limited to them alone, but one which ought to suggest itself to any individual appreciating the power and goodness of the Almighty."

To contend that Christian Science ignores suffering, that it dismisses the ills of the flesh with the claim that they are "only the imagination of the sufferer and to believe this is all that is necessary to restore the patient to health," is quite contrary to the teachings of Mrs. Eddy. Evidently the writer formed this impression from irresponsible comment rather than from a knowledge of its method of treatment, for on page 460 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says: "Sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal,—that is, to the frightened, false sense of the patient. Sickness is more than fancy; it is solid conviction. It is therefore to be dealt with through right apprehension of the truth of being. If Christian healing is abused by mere smatterers in Science, it becomes a tedious mischief-maker. Instead of scientifically effecting a cure, it starts a petty cross-fire over every cripple and invalid, buffeting them with the superficial and cold assertion, 'Nothing ails you.'"

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