Article March 4, 1922 Issue

A recent editorial in The Record made kindly reference...

Peter B. Biggins—Peace River, Alberta, Canada

The Record

A recent editorial in The Record made kindly reference to the beneficent influence of Christian Science on the lives of many people, in giving serenity of mind and in improving health and increasing prosperity, further stating that Christian Scientists are good citizens and ideal neighbors. These just expressions are sincerely appreciated. In referring to the teachings of Christian Science, however, this editorial contained many misstatements, which need correction. The following explanations may serve to make clear what Christian Science teaches in regard to some of those points.

Christian Science does not "reject the second chapter of Genesis and other portions of the Scriptures," as this editorial states. In the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy makes plain the allegorical nature of the greater portion of the second chapter of Genesis. She makes clear that it is a record of error, in contradistinction to the truth of being set forth in the first chapter and the first three verses of the second. Christian Scientists accept the whole Bible, and study it diligently. What Christian Science does reject is the false material sense that would obscure the true meaning of the inspired Word. Christian Science has nothing in common with the heathen philosophies of the Orient, either in origin or in essence. These material philosophies are products of the human or carnal mind, which, as Paul says, is "enmity against God." Christian Science is based on the spiritual understanding of God, the divine Mind. The vast difference is therefore obvious.

Christian Science teaches us that the atonement of Jesus lay in his life, which was one of continual self-sacrifice and practical goodness. Through this self-sacrifice, this yielding of the human to the divine, Christ Jesus proved his at-one-ment or unity with God, and thus expressed the spiritual power which heals sin and disease. Christian Science thus reveals the practical import of the atonement of Christ and its effect in daily living. It shows the necessity of each individual following the example of the Master in similar self-sacrifice. While the term "science" has been commonly applied to material manifestations, the term "Science" is properly applicable to spiritual facts. Webster gives the following among several definitions of the word "science": "Knowledge of principles or facts; knowledge classfied and made available in work, life, or the search for truth." Thus the exact knowledge of Truth which Christ Jesus possessed and utilized was Science in the truest sense of the term. Christian Science is simply this Science of Christ, the exact knowledge of the truth of being. The liberating effect of this Science was clearly stated by the Master when he said, "If ye continue in my word ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

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