Article May 6, 1922 Issue

The authorized literature of Christian Science abounds...

Stanley M. Sydenham—York, England

Yorkshire Herald

The authorized literature of Christian Science abounds in statements which clearly show that there is no similarity between it and the teaching of Swedenborg. The doctrine that disease, sin, and evil are illusions which can be "dispelled by the operation of this system" is strictly in accord with the teaching of Christ Jesus, who declared that knowing the truth "shall make you free." He proved the truth of his statement by destroying sin, healing disease, and overcoming death. The divine Truth, God, does not destroy truth, but its opposite, and the opposite of truth is error, a lie, an illusion. The illusion is that life is material, and that sin, disease, and death are realities. The truth is that "God [Spirit] saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."

There is abundant evidence to prove that Christian Science has healed every known form of functional and organic disease, and that similar cures are being wrought to-day. These cures are not attributable to "self-suggestion," as is inferred, but are the result of the understanding of the laws of God, and of the application of these laws to the human problems. In view of the Master's commands to all men to preach the gospel and to heal the sick, it seems incredible that a minister of the gospel should decry the endeavors and the work of those who are obeying these commands, and who are obtaining such good results through the prayer of faith which the Apostle James said "shall save the sick." To say that patent medicines did more than prayer is a mockery of the teaching of the Way-shower, who never once taught or recommended the use of material remedies.

Christian Science cannot be understood by the consideration of the writings of its critics, but only through a careful study of its authorized literature. The proof of understanding is demonstration, as it is with other science. The effect of Christian Science on the lives of those who have grasped its deeper significance has been to make them better men and women, more loving, gentle, kind, and considerate. It has healed them morally and physically, and has kept them well and happy. It has made the study of the Bible a delight. It has enabled them to understand God and His wonderful works better than ever before, and has thereby increased their love of God and of their fellow-men. In her Message for 1900, Mrs. Eddy wrote (p. 9): "The twentieth century in the ebb and flow of thought will challenge the thinkers, speakers, and workers to do their best. Whosoever attempts to ostracize Christian Science will signally fail; for no one can fight against God, and win."

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