Article October 28, 1916 Issue

The fact that Christian Science is becoming known and...

Judge Clifford P. Smith—New York, N. Y.

Musical Courier

The fact that Christian Science is becoming known and accepted by intelligent persons, while it is still the object of disrespectful allusions by others who are not so well informed, was illustrated in a recent number of the Musical Courier. On two of its pages were portraits of well-known singers who are Christian Scientists, while on another page a contributor referred to "Christian Science or other cults and isms now running riot in our land."

A cult or an ism, when spoken of in this manner, is merely something which the speaker does not approve. To him the devotion of other people has become an offense, and he seizes an opportunity to publish his disapproval of it. Thus, the Christianity of the first century and the Reformation of the sixteenth were the cults and isms of those times; that is, to persons who vaguely disliked them.

In a survey of religious history, Christian Science may be called the Restoration,—the restoration of original Christianity with its spiritual power over evil, including disease; and it is now possible to say, as a matter of accomplished fact, that this teaching and practice has already exerted a more profound influence upon the world's religious thought than was ever produced before in the space of fifty years. This effect is due, however, not to Christian Science considered as distinct from original Christianity,—for no such separation can be made,—but to its identity with the Christianity of the gospels, as distinguished from the Christianity of the creeds. Such being the case,—and this can be ascertained by any man for himself,—Christian Science is not to be disposed of by disdainful comments, but is to be known by what it teaches and by what it contributes to the welfare of its adherents. On these points there are more than a few readers of the Musical Courier who can speak from experience.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The fact that Christian Science is becoming known and...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access