Article May 12, 1917 Issue

The evangelist whose sermon is reported in the Fresno Republican...

Peter V. Ross

Fresno (Cal.) Republican

The evangelist whose sermon is reported in the Fresno Republican is quite right in his assertion that healing the sick is not all there is to Christian Science practice. While it is now a matter of common knowledge that Christian Science does heal the various forms of disease, whether classified as functional or organic, curable or incurable, nevertheless the most important function of Christian Science is to regenerate mankind and place them on a right plane of thinking and living.

But the evangelist declares that Mrs. Eddy "strikes a blow at the atonement," and "denies the whole Bible teaching on the subject by claiming that Christ did not die on the cross." It is difficult to understand how any student of the Bible could suppose such an impossibility as that Christ should have died on the cross or anywhere else. The Christ is indestructible and eternal, in accordance with the Scriptural statements: "Before Abraham was, I am;" and "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." This is precisely what Jesus was demonstrating, and this demonstration constituted his atonement; that is, the proof or exemplification that man is in unity or at-one with God, and hence perfect and immortal. To say that Christ died is in itself a denial of the atonement. Christian Science, however, teaches that Jesus was crucified, but that he overcame death and the grave.

Scholastic theology has taught that God required the sacrifice of Jesus to appease His wrath, and that the suffering of the Master excuses man, if he will only believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, from responsibility for his own sins. Christian Science, it is true, does not accept this idea of the atonement. It recognizes that God's attitude toward man is one of infinite love and compassion, which cannot be changed. It is the attitude of mortal man toward God which must be changed if man would reach harmony and happiness.

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
In common with all Christian churches the great Methodist...
May 12, 1917
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit