Article September 2, 1916 Issue

There is a somewhat common notion that Christian Science...

S. T. Downs

Indianapolis (Ind.) Star

There is a somewhat common notion that Christian Science is a kind of competitor of materia medica and other methods of treating the sick, and that physical healing is its sole mission. This sentiment was expressed by a Jewish rabbi in another city while discussing a popular play in which gladness is the keynote, and his remarks were referred to in your paper. He said that if we had more gladness in our homes and lives "we would in time close half our reformatories, hospitals, and sanitariums, half our medical schools and Christian Science churches and drug stores, and we would put half our physicians and lawyers out of practice."

I do not care to discuss the play in question, but I do want to point out that Christian Science is the most extensive and consistent preacher of the gospel of gladness, joy, and sunshine of modern times, and it is a fact of frequent comment that Christian Scientists are the happiest people in the world. If any one questions this, he should attend a Sunday or a Wednesday evening service of a Christian Science church, and he will find that the happy faces of the crowds will quickly dispel his doubts.

The primary object of Christian Science is not to heal sickness, since such healing is but the sign following the destruction of sin. One hears Christian Scientists talk quite as much of freedom from the "burden of sin," the "spirit of heaviness," and the "shade of gloom" as of the healing of pain and physical suffering. It will be seen that instead of the gospel of joy and gladness diminishing the number of Christian Science churches, the larger the number of such churches the more these very desirable qualities will be preached and practised.

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