Article September 4, 1920 Issue

Christian Scientists have in no way lost their equilibrium...

Joseph Coffer—Oklahoma City, Okla.

Oklahoma News

Christian Scientists have in no way lost their equilibrium as a result of the unwarranted and unchristian attacks upon their religion by a visiting evangelist, since the opening of his campaign in Oklahoma City. Aside from desultory reference to Christian Science, carrying a certain amount of odium, his remarks lacked weight and conviction. It is apparent he is preaching for certain denominations and against others; it is inconceivable that the evangelist—whose mission is to save souls—who cheapens religion by vulgar references, can hope to win favor in the world of Christian endeavor. Such tactics fail to draw people from the Christian Science faith. The fact is that Christian Science is assailed by its clerical opponents mainly for the reason that it has been and is to-day furnishing a satisfying gospel to seekers for true religion, many of whom are members of other churches.

This evangelist has somewhat modernized his method of attack on Christian Science by the introduction of the Bible study class. After the close of his regular sermon the congregation is addressed by his assistant, who introduces her subject, "Christian Science compared with the Bible," running the usual gamut of misstatements and inaccurate quotations alleged to have been taken from Mrs. Eddy's book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." These quotations are presented in a distorted, unrecognizable manner, and called "Christian Science."

This assistant has given expression to one thing in her book, "Three Studies," which deserves special attention by all seekers for truth. Its luster sparkles like a gem of the purest ray. She says, "If you want to know what Christian Science is, you must go direct to the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health." Excellent advice, and if you want to know what Christian Science is not, go hear this assistant. She is not at all different from other would-be professional critics of Christian Science, who invariably adopt methods of mutilating the text of Science and Health, destroying the meaning of complete sentences, thereby confusing the hearer. It is regrettable that every one who heard her, or who bought her book, will not take the trouble to verify her citations, and see just what she has done. That would be difficult, however, because she has taken quotations from an 1893 edition of Science and Health, which is no longer in general use. The Bible itself has not escaped revision, and the same can be said of many valuable books; all authors exercise this privilege. After 1893, Mrs. Eddy made many revisions in the diction, not the statement, of Science and Health. This 1893 edition will not be found outside the reference section of the great libraries. A possible conclusion is that the author of "Three Studies" is fully aware of this, and as a matter of fact perhaps does not wish her citations verified and her unfair methods exposed.

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