In reading over the letters of the critics of Christian Science...

Evening News

In reading over the letters of the critics of Christian Science which appeared in a recent issue, one is struck by the familiarity of much of their contents. The same things have been said time and again, and often in much the same manner, even by many who have afterwards become Christian Scientists. The teaching of Christian Science with regard to sin, disease, and death is certainly very different from many of the generally accepted beliefs concerning these,—sometimes, indeed, diametrically opposed to them; and it is exactly because of this difference that the human mind is inclined to resent and to argue rather than quietly to consider whether, after all, there may not be something well worth understanding in a system which is unquestionably revolutionizing thought along many lines to-day.

Everybody knows of the opposition Galileo met with in his defense of the astronomical position that the earth moves round the relatively stationary sun. To-day, nobody doubts the position, although superficial sense-testimony would appear to contradict it. The case of Christian Science is analogous. It is just about fifty-five years since Christian Science had its origin; and in spite of the opposition it has encountered, it would be difficult to find a parallel to its acceptance and phenomenal growth in the history of the world's religious movements.

One of your correspondents kindly admits that many Christian Scientists are "educated and intelligent." That class of person may surely be considered as capable as any other of the exercise of the logical faculty. Mrs. Eddy writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 472), "All reality is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal. That which He creates is good, and He makes all that is made. Therefore the only reality of sin, sickness, or death is the awful fact that unrealities seem real to human, erring belief, until God strips off their disguise. They are not true, because they are not of God." Whether it be accepted or not, that is the teaching of Christian Science concerning reality and unreality.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit