Article January 1, 1916 ISSUE

In the letter of a correspondent, Christian Science is...

Albert W. Le Messurier—Jersey, Channel Islands

The News

In the letter of a correspondent, Christian Science is bracketed with "theosophy, spiritualism, and kindred doctrines," as though they were one and the same thing, and the writer gives three points of divergence between these "kindred doctrines" and his own views of Christianity, just as though the various churches today were not themselves in a state of disagreement and unrest over these very points.

Now any one who took the trouble to read thoughtfully "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy (and it may be found in the public library) would never have fallen into the mistake indicated, and would have seen how fundamentally Christian Science differs from theosophy and spiritualism. Be it understood, however, that the Christian Scientist does not run down other denominations, under whatever name they journey. He particularly wants his neighbor to enjoy the liberty of conscience he insists on maintaining for himself, so he rests content with stating the truth and leaving it there. If he required any evidence to support him in this stand, he has it in the sad condition of the world today as a result of the lack of applied Christianity since creeds and dogmas usurped the place of the practical Christianity Jesus recommended to all followers: "Preach the gospel" and "heal the sick."

The basic truth of Christian Science is of course Scriptural: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord,"—the only God, infinite good, knowing no evil nor permitting it; of too pure eyes to behold evil. Christian Science further emphasizes that the real man is made in the image and likeness of God, Spirit. In Christian Science there is absolutely no other way to God than that marked out by Christ Jesus. In the words of Science and Health (p. 497 ), "We acknowledge Jesus' atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man's unity with God through Christ Jesus the Wayshower." Following spiritually the mental footsteps of Christ Jesus, honoring the Father as Jesus honored Him, walking in the straight and narrow way of pure spirituality, unadulterated with any belief in a material power opposed to and so dishonoring God,—this it is that brings humanity out of "depravity" into the right understanding of God, and into the freedom that correct scientific thinking must bring. "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Necessarily the Mind that was in Christ Jesus has nothing in common with the carnal or mortal mind, alias will-power or mental suggestion, that testifies to a lie about God and man. A lie, whether about God or man, has obviously no more power than we choose to give it, and it is surprising what a quantity of unhealthy thinking has to be parted with as we reverently approach a purer concept of God. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Certainly it comes as a joy to realize through the teachings of Christian Science that the same power manifested through Christ Jesus to forgive sin and heal sickness is as operative today, and therefore that the omnipotent God who can destroy sin is equally powerful to destroy all sense of sickness. In ever increasing ratio this testimony to the omnipotence of God is accumlating and cannot be denied. After all, the only real test of our Christianity is that one advanced by Jesus: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also."

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