Article May 17, 1919 Issue

We have read in a recent issue the article, "Fighting Quarantine."...

Ernest C. Moses—Chicago, Ill.

The Christian Century

We have read in a recent issue the article, "Fighting Quarantine." In stating that during the epidemic of influenza the Christian Science church remained open, the article says that this was a discourtesy to the health authorities.

The article speaks of a "belief that religion should not put the formal, the theoretical, the ritualistic interests before the life interests of the people." Christian Scientists would not differ with that statement; for they sincerely believe in and strive to practice that which pertains to the real life interests of the people. They find that this is never secured through deference to arguments of fear and shutting up the churches at a time when the healing and comforting effects of divine revelation are most needed.

During the recent epidemic in this city alone, at the Wednesday evening testimony meetings of the Christian Science churches, fully attended throughout the epidemic period, hundreds of testimonies were given of the healing of cases of influenza. These healings have come through faith in and understanding of God who, as David said, "forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction." These proofs of the healing power of God in Christian Science explain why Christian Scientists advocate that the "life interests of the people" require that civil authorities refrain from interference with the practice of religion, since the authorities rely upon medical advisers who prefer to work from the standpoint of fear of evil, rather than from the standpoint of faith in God.

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