Article May 15, 1920 Issue

A critic complains of an abbreviated quotation

T. E. Davidson

Newcastle-on-Tyne (England) Journal

A critic complains of an abbreviated quotation. This was purely for want of space. The context made his case more untenable. He concludes his argument for a personal devil by hoping that all candid minds will be convinced. One wonders whether even his brother ministers of the churches in the next street agree with him. The space allotted to this letter being also limited, it is only possible to reply to the new points raised. Your correspondent, not content with the assertion that the Christian Science church is neither Christian nor scientific, now adds that it is also a rehash of pagan philosophy. Does he really believe that such teaching as he imagines Christian Science to be would attract, as Bishop Welldon says it is attracting, ever increasing numbers of educated, intelligent men and women?

Christian Science is much more than a philosophy; it is a religion based upon the spiritual interpretation of Christian revelation, and is therefore Christian. The dictionaries define a Christian as some one accepting the teaching of Jesus the Christ, and the Master himself gave the test for all time. His test was not the mere verbal assent to a dogma, but the proof shown by the ability to do the works. Your correspondent does not accept this test, and is content to criticize others who do. True science is the knowledge of God and of His ways and laws; this knowledge and the inseparable application of it unlock the action and power of divine Love. This is, very briefly, the Christianly scientific way of health and salvation; it is not, therefore, personal supplication, suggestion, or faith healing. Mrs. Eddy puts it clearly in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 390), "It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony."

Christian Scientists are grateful to Mrs. Eddy for having emphasized the fact that Jesus overcame death, instead of yielding to it. He was engaged all his life in putting off the Jesus and putting on the Christ; his work was to prove life to be eternal. He said, "I lay down my life, that I might take it again." There was so little of the Jesus left after his crucifixion that the materially minded soldiers failed to see him; in fact, only those who had a vision of the Christ saw him after his resurrection. His glorious career culminated with the proof that there is no death when he declared on the cross, "It is finished." His complete overcoming of the flesh was not until his ascension, proving again what your correspondent fails to understand; namely, the unreality of matter, including sin, disease, and death.

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