Article February 24, 1917 Issue

The Overland Monthly has published an article in which...

Thomas F. Watson—San Francisco, Cal.

Overland Monthly

The Overland Monthly has published an article in which the writer gives his opinion of "Christian Science—Viewed in Its Own Light and that of the Bible." His assertion that "Christian Science is an anti-Christian religion, undermining faith in the Bible and in the God of the Bible," is entirely disproved by the fact that thousands have been healed of infidelity and agnosticism as well as of sickness through the ministrations of this Science, and have thereafter become earnest students of the Bible and followers of the teachings of Christ Jesus. This is sufficient proof to any thoughtful person that Christian Science is in harmony with the teachings of the Bible. The first tenet of Christian Science, as given on page 497 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is as follows: "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life;" and it is a noteworthy fact that Christian Scientists are earnest students of the Bible, and that their faith in its teachings has been strengthened by the study of Christian Science.

Our critic complains that Christian Science encourages man to believe that he has "an inherited right to immortality." But this is not said of mortals. Science and Health teaches (p. 262) that "by putting 'off the old man with his deeds,' mortals 'put on immortality.'" The critic asks, "How does 'Christian Science as it is' compare with Jesus' teachings?" Christian Science heals the sick and sinful in obedience to Jesus' command, thus proving its faith by its works. The fact that Truth destroys sin and sickness proves that they are no part of God's creation, which He pronounced "very good."

It is difficult to see why our critic objects to the phrase on page 16 of Science and Health, "Thy kingdom is come," when the Master said, "The kingdom of God is within you;" also, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." His contention that "if God did not antedate man He could not create him," is answered in that man as the image and likeness of God, or His reflection, has always been with the Father; for as it is impossible to think of the sun without its rays, so we cannot conceive of the infinite intelligence, or Mind, as existing without its representative idea, or man. What often seems to us a new creation of Truth is only a revelation of that which always existed. Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am."

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