Article September 21, 1918 Issue

That Christian Scientists are regarded by examining...

Walter H. Van Zwoll—Chicago, Ill.

National Underwriter

That Christian Scientists are regarded by examining physicians as favorable insurance risks is stated by a writer in a recent issue, who says also that Christian Scientists in comparison with others are "ordinarily not so subject to minor ills, and even have a better fighting spirit during a serious illness." The article adds that "Christian Scientists take unusually good care of themselves;" but this care, it should be said, is not in the observance of material health laws, for it depends upon the understanding and application of the spiritual law of God.

A serious misrepresentation, however, is to be found in the erroneous statement that a great many Christian Scientists will summon a physician in an emergency but do not care to admit or agree that they will do so. This is obviously untrue, and the established efficiency of Christian Science and the honesty of its adherents do not warrant such an aspersion. Christian Scientists have learned from experience how much more safely they can depend on Christian Science than on other systems. Their confidence in Christian Science is sincere and is the result of practical proof of its reliability. For a Christian Scientist to seek medical aid would be anomalous and would call in question his position as a Christian Scientist. Thousands upon thousands have been restored to health by Christian Science after being told by the doctors that recovery was impossible. Such persons are wisely consistent in steadfastly relying on God's power, and are not to be termed fanatics for doing so. It is of interest that the manager of an insurance company has made the statement that those policyholders treated by Christian Science recover more quickly from illness than those treated in other ways.

A strong editorial in the New York Telegraph of September 21, 1916, regarding vital statistics published by the census bureau, comments on the influence of Christian Science in reducing the death rate, as follows: "The decrease in the death rate in the United States began when Christian Scientists started their uplifting work. Christian Scientists have made this a nation of optimists. Men and women have 'got into the habit of being well,' as Oliver Wendell Holmes said. Christian Scientists have worked without ceasing to show their fellow men that 'sin, sickness, and death are abnormal conditions of mortal mind.' And they have succeeded. No group of religionists in America has ever had such an effect on the people—an effect for good spiritually and bodily—as have the Christian Scientists. The good health of the country shows the result of that work. Figures prove it."

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