Article December 29, 1917 Issue

On several occasions recently the public has noticed in...

Virgil H. Clymer

Syracuse (N. Y.) Journal

On several occasions recently the public has noticed in "The Voice of the People" the linking of two teachings with Christian Science in a way likely to give the reader the erroneous impression that all three are alike. Now comes another writer repeating that mistake and making an effort to persuade some one that Christian Science differs from the teachings of Jesus. It cannot be stated too emphatically that Christian Science is based absolutely on the truths of the Bible as interpreted and demonstrated by Jesus; hence it necessarily differs from all the religions, teachings, or philosophies unlike the truth he taught.

Honest, sincere people may entertain their own theories, and theologians may advance man-made arguments, but what Jesus really taught must be proved, not by theories or theological dogma, but by the method he established, i.e., the healing of both sin and disease. He entered into no theological argument with the messengers from John the Baptist, but pointed to his healing works as proof of the Messiahship. Christian Science also points to its healing works as proof that it is identical with Jesus' teaching. "By their fruits ye shall know them." That Jesus' indivisible command to preach and heal was not meant for a limited time or territory is evidenced by the historical fact that for three hundred years after the crucifixion Christians healed the sick by spiritual means. There was an "undivided garment" (Science and Health, p. 142) until a material interpretation of the Bible crept into the early church.

Christian Science interprets the Bible spiritually, and its world-wide, everyday healing of all manner of sin, sickness, sorrow, and discord, as Jesus and his followers healed them, proves that its interpretation of the Christ-teaching is the correct one, and that it is the restoration of primitive Christianity. On page 25 of "Retrospection and Introspection" Mrs. Eddy, in referring to her great discovery, says: "The Bible was my textbook. It answered my questions as to how I was healed; but the Scriptures had to me a new meaning, a new tongue. Their spiritual signification appeared; and I apprehended for the first time, in their spiritual meaning, Jesus' teaching and demonstration, and the Principle and rule of spiritual Science and metaphysical healing,—in a word, Christian Science."

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