Article February 12, 1916 Issue

In a book review the reviewer quoted and commended a...

Judge Clifford P. Smith

Boston (Mass.) Transcript

In a book review the reviewer quoted and commended a statement to the effect that the cures wrought by Christian Science are due to suggestion. This is a common misapprehension. Suggestion differs from the practice of Christian Science as "that which is born of flesh" differs from "that which is born of the Spirit," or as that which is material and human differs from that which is spiritual and divine. The one differs from the other as "the power of darkness" differs from "the finger of God," as ignorance differs from understanding and as deception differs from enlightenment. The only effect of suggestion is a change from one form of bondage to another, but the invariable effect of practising Christian Science is some degree of freedom.

I am aware that the advocates of suggestion have not assented to the distinctions just stated. Indeed, its practitioners do not need to be interested in the basis of such distinctions. But it is probable that most of the authors who have written in favor of suggestion would admit that the person who formulates a proposition for the practice of suggestion does not need to know it is true, or even believe it, and that the expected effect of a suggestion on the person to whom it is made is an assent without actual knowledge, a belief without the presence of true consciousness. To such a practice Christian Science is opposed. The basis of its practice is the absolute truth of man's being. It requires spiritual understanding instead of human belief, and one of its effects is to annual the possibility of suggestion. As Mrs. Eddy has said, "The Christian Scientist demonstrates that divine Mind heals, while the hypnotist dispossesses the patient of his individuality in order to control him" (Science and Health, p. 375).

The practice of Christian Science therefore consists in having "the mind of Christ" and in using its power to liberate and redeem, to heal and save. In this practice the spiritual sense of being manifests the life-giving power of Spirit; it corrects the errors of human belief and confers a freedom from their effects; it redeems men from the seeming laws of evil and enforces the government of God.

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