Article April 19, 1919 Issue

May I be permitted to explain the teachings of Christian Science...

Avery Coonley—Washington, D. C.

The Times

May I be permitted to explain the teachings of Christian Science on a point referred to in an editorial entitled, "We Do What We Want To Do." In discussing the difficulty of controlling human actions, the editorial declared that the individual could "force himself to want to do that which he ought to do, if he would keep his mind constantly upon it," and remarked that "this fact has been demonstrated ... to a very interesting extent by Christian Scientists to-day."

Christian Scientists are gratified to have this testimony to the practical results of their religion in uplifting human desires and improving human conduct, but they wish to make sure that the process of Christian Science shall not be misunderstood. Unlike most mental systems, Christian Science is essentially a religion rather than a philosophy. It is the recognition of the omnipotence of God as distinguished from a system of human thinking. Its operation, whether it be called a treatment or prayer, consists in the realization of God as the source of all creation and all law. Evil, consequently, is unreal, whether manifested as disease, accident, want, temptation, or base desire.

When a person applies the teachings of Christian Science, he brings himself to want to do what he should do by knowing that God is the source of all intelligence and that man, rightly understood, is His image and likeness and not a discordant mortal. As such, man can want nothing which is not good. Through his prayer of understanding he thus gains grace to say, "Thy will be done."

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