Article November 8, 1919 Issue

The latest criticism of Christian Science by a writer in...

W. Stuart Booth

Boulder (Colo.) Camera

The latest criticism of Christian Science by a writer in the Camera furnishes an excellent example of one fighting "as on that beateth the air;" for in spite of many motions, the use of many adjectives and comparisons, the critic misses the mark entirely. It is evident that if Christian Science were what he supposes it to be, it would not have been accepted by so many intelligent Christian believers and have earned the respect of a large number of others who have witnessed its works, but have not studied its textbook. However, Christian Scientists do not feel unkindly toward the critic; for all the unkind, untrue things that could be said against Christian Science, were voiced long since by those who later discovered their error and are now themselves Christian Scientists.

Christ Jesus did not teach, and therefore Christian Science does not teach, that obedience to the two great commandments about loving God and our neighbor would result in immortality in matter, although Jesus said, referring to these commands, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Master evidently meant that those who obeyed his spiritual behests would thereby be enabled to prove his statement regarding eternal life, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." Paul grasped the spiritual import of Jesus' words when he wrote, "To be spiritually minded is life and peace," and again, "In him [God, Spirit, Mind] we live, and move, and have our being."

Obviously Jesus taught no mere post-mortem salvation and immortality, for he not only preached that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" and admonished his followers to preach the same, but verified his preaching by his practice of bringing more of heaven, harmony, into the lives of men, by healing them of their ills, comforting them in their sorrows, and destroying their sin. In promising that those who believe on him should do the same works, he attached no time limit; for he knew that God and His law of harmony are ever present and ever available to all who live in obedience to that law.

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November 8, 1919
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