Article February 24, 1917 Issue

A statement by a minister to which space was given recently,...

Judge Clifford P. Smith

Lowell (Mass.) Courier-Citizen

A statement by a minister to which space was given recently, was unfair to Christian Science and offensive to Christian Scientists. Indeed I venture to say that no unbiased person approves war on other people's religion conducted in this manner. Any one can test this proposition for himself by considering whether he would like to have his religion spoken of in the same manner.

The statement to which this letter refers was as follows: "Go find me one truth from spiritualism, Christian Science, theosophy, or materialism, and I will show you that same truth better stated in the Bible." When these words are closely examined it can be seen that they have two designs. In the first place, they suggest that Christian Science is associated with, or is like, spiritualism, theosophy, and materialism. In the second place, the words in question insinuate that Christian Science is not founded on the Bible. Entirely aside from the question whether preaching and practice of any particular religion should include attacks on others, it can be safely said that comment on other religions demands a greater measure of fairness and respect for facts than was exhibited in this instance.

Whatever may be the merits of spiritualism, theosophy, and materialism, they are no more associated with or like Christian Science than they are associated with or like the religion represented by this assailant. It would not be difficult to prove that his religion has much more in common with at least one of these systems than has Christian Science. On this point, however, I only wish to say emphatically that there is no reason in fact why any one should either directly or indirectly charge that Christian Science, spiritualism, theosophy, and materialism are either alike or similar.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
The Overland Monthly has published an article in which...
February 24, 1917
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit