Article August 24, 1918 Issue

In his intense zeal I fear our critic does himself injustice...

Joe L. Penry—Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Times

In his intense zeal I fear our critic does himself injustice when he insinuates that he is thoroughly conversant with the teachings of Christian Science. The greater number of Christian Scientists had, like him, a false concept of Christian Science at one time in their experience. It was only when human means of alleviation of pain, sorrow, and distress failed them that they were willing to listen to the still, small voice. It was through their healing that their eyes were opened. The writer stands as a living monument to this fact; hence our adoration for the compassionate Christ and our love for mankind.

To say, as did our critic, that Christian Scientists are engaged in "proselyting" and seeking members for their church, is to misunderstand the mission of Christian Science and the ministry of love. We are engaged in the destruction of sin, sickness, and death, and this is the only warfare authorized by the Word; hence it is true we do not "fight," except to resist evil by spiritual means, and in defense of human liberty and human righteousness by carnal means, as in the present world conflict. When will the world heed the admonition of the Master, when he insisted that "by their fruits ye shall know them"? Christian Science is willing to be judged by the fruits of its ministry. Can a stream send forth both sweet water and bitter? The fruit of Mrs. Eddy's life work is being disclosed in the lives of her followers, and she insisted that her students follow her only so far as she followed Christ (see Message for 1901, p. 34).

To those who love the Bible as the Word of Life, irrespective of the aspersions of this clergyman in his statement that Christian Scientists have advanced beyond the Bible and that they have a new Bible or an appendix to the Bible, let me say in all the candor of one who is devoted only to the cause of good for the human race, that these statements are absolutely untrue and unwarranted by anything said or done by Mrs. Eddy or any of her followers. The Bible of our fathers is taught and studied more intensely and reverently than ever before for the gaining of the understanding of the spiritual import of the Word. The textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, has never been claimed to be other than what it is—a textbook. It is a commentary on the Bible, revealing to us the spiritual import of the Scriptures.

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In his intense zeal I fear our critic does himself injustice...

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