Article August 18, 1917 Issue

Christian Science, which is among those religious beliefs...

John L. Rendall

Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Republican and Times

Christian Science, which is among those religious beliefs to which our critic objects, is neither a fad nor an ism, but on the contrary is a well established religious teaching, adhered to by hundreds of thousands of respected citizens of this and other lands. In his attack upon Christian Science our critic makes statements concerning its teaching which are either intentionally or carelessly misleading; statements which are untenable, without excuse or justification.

It might be fair to assume that a "saved" Christian Scientist is one who has some degree of realization of his indestructible relationship with God. He is conscious of certain positive changes in his thought processes which have resulted in greatly improved conditions, physical, mental, moral, and spiritual. To be saved, in any right sense of the term, means much more than mere emotionalism, more than the ecstatic mesmerism of quasi-religious fervor; it means and includes that condition of spiritual understanding which enables its possessor to demonstrate the verity of Jesus' teachings, healing the sick and reforming the sinner.

Our critic states: "Christian Science stands opposed to the Bible." On the contrary, this religious teaching is based absolutely upon the Bible; it has not one single excuse for its existence other than conformity therewith. That it does honor and respect the Scriptures is attested by the fact that the Bible and the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, are the only preachers of the denomination. Christian Science does not deny one single fundamental teaching of Christianity as Jesus taught it. It does, however, deny the validity and accuracy of the man-made formulations which pass current as "articles of Christian faith;" but that is quite different. It is this sort of denial, combined with the affirmation of that which is valid and true in the Christian religion, which gives Christian Science its essential value as a practical religious teaching.

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
Poem
The Invitation
August 18, 1917
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit