Article February 25, 1922 Issue

That "Christian Science is neither religion nor science,...

Louis E. Scholl—Spokane, Wash.

The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

That "Christian Science is neither religion nor science, but is a sort of disease which sweeps people off their feet," is the remarkable statement made in a lecture delivered at the Auditorium Theater, according to a report in The Spokesman-Review. Dr. James L. Gordon, pastor of the First Congregational church of San Francisco, recently said in a sermon preached in that church, "I should say that the individual who affirmed that Christian Science is not a religion had not made a very thorough study of comparative religions." It may also be added that such an individual had not made a very thorough study of either Christian Science or the word "religion." A careful search of reference works shows that religion is a very broad word and may include any manifestation of piety, from the strictest orthodoxy to pagan idol worship, but a most satisfying definition of religion is found in a Bible encyclopedia, which reads, "Religion means the constant, conscious relation between God and man and the expression of that relation in human conduct." Christian Science is just that, for Christian Science reveals man and God in a constant, conscious relation and directs thought into its best expression of that relation in human conduct.

A further report shows that the lecturer has argued to prove that Christian Science is not science because it is not in conformity with the science which relates to the physical world and its phenomena. On page 160 of Miscellany, Mrs. Eddy has defined Christian Science thus: "To live so as to keep human consciousness in constant relation with the divine, the spiritual, and the eternal, is to individualize infinite power; and this is Christian Science." This should make it plain that Christian Science and material science differ widely, which is no proof that Christian Science is unscientific. The lecturer might have lessened the confusion of his hearers somewhat by explaining in the beginning that the science which is Christian Science is not synonymous with physical science.

The lecturer said, "To work in America and Europe, where science has looked to it that the streets are clean, that the drinking water is boiled and filtered, and to everything for the physical welfare of the people—that is no achievement for Christian Science." "Christian Science," he says, "eats of the tree of science and then turns around and spurns that tree." Keeping in mind Mrs. Eddy's definition of Christian Science, the reader will quickly discern that the foregoing criticism is merely a confusion of words and not an argument. Furthermore, little does this critic realize the amount of credit that is due to Christian Science for the clean streets and pure water and for everything we enjoy in this civilized land that makes for cleanliness and purity. A little investigation on his part would open his eyes to the fact that some of the foremost civil engineers of the country and some of the leaders in civic affairs who are standing firmest for everything that makes for cleanliness and purity in our homes and cities are Christian Scientists.

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