Article June 17, 1922 Issue

That our critic refuses to recognize the Christian Science...

Clyde Johnson,—Cheyenne, Wyo.

Wyoming State Tribune

That our critic refuses to recognize the Christian Science church as a church is not at all disturbing. During the recent world war our national government officially recognized the Christian Science church as such and appointed as chaplains in the army and navy Christian Scientists selected by The Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, U.S.A. This recognition did not make the fact any more of a fact; but it was justly due, and stands as an official act of the United States Government, the expression of any personal opinion to the contrary notwithstanding. The real authority, the Scriptural authority, for this church is, however, to be found in the sixteenth chapter of Matthew where it is recorded Peter said to the Master, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," which statement brought forth from the Master those words that have rung down through the centuries to the present time: "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Christian Scientists do not attack other churches, for such a course would be entirely out of harmony with the teachings of Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy says: "Students are advised by the author to be charitable and kind, not only towards differing forms of religion and medicine, but to those who hold these differing opinions. Let us be faithful in pointing the way through Christ, as we understand it, but let us also be careful always to 'Judge righteous judgment,' and never to condemn rashly" (Science and Health, p. 444). To any one wishing to be correctly informed as to the attitude of the loyal Christian Scientist toward the one Christ, a careful study of our religious tenets on page 497 of Science and Health is recommended. From these tenets the following is quoted: "We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness."

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