Article December 8, 1923 Issue

Did Jesus and his disciples heal the sick? And if so, did...

Charles M. Shaw, Committee on Publication for Lancashire, England,—Accrington

Observer and Times

Did Jesus and his disciples heal the sick? And if so, did they heal by the power of psychology and psycho-analysis? I know there are those who maintain this. But the Master claimed that he healed with "the finger of God." He declared that "this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting;" that is, by spiritual power gained through communion with God. And Christian Science rejects psychology, and stands by the method of Jesus. It is to Mrs. Eddy's everlasting credit that she rediscovered the divine Principle of healing which was revealed and demonstrated by Jesus; namely, healing by Mind or Spirit, God. The Rev. Dr. W. L. Walker said a few years ago that the doctrine of the Spirit was the greatest thing in Christianity, but that it was not understood and therefore not utilized. I claim that that doctrine is understood, and is applied in genuine Christian Science. The nature of the work Christian Science is doing is indicated in the following extract from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 462): "Anatomy, when conceived of spiritually, is mental self-knowledge, and consists in the dissection of thoughts to discover their quality, quantity, and origin. Are thoughts divine or human? Thatis the important question. This branch of study is indispensable to the excision of error. The anatomy of Christian Science teaches when and how to probe the self-inflicted wounds of selfishness, malice, envy, and hate. It teaches the control of mad ambition. It unfolds the hallowed influences of unselfishness, philanthropy, spiritual love. It urges the government of the body both in health and in sickness. The Christian Scientist, through understanding mental anatomy, discerns and deals with the real cause of disease." Consequently, the direct object of the Christian Scientist, recognizing the fears and false beliefs of the suppliant for help, is to give him such an understanding of God and of the real man's nature and relationship to God as will eliminate these fears and false beliefs. And in the degree in which this is done, physical harmony is manifested. I may say that I am familiar with healings in Christian Science, such as the healing of fractured bones and the elongation of shortened limbs, which, so far as I am aware, have not been attempted by psychologists. But the real character of Christian Science influence is to be found in what it does on the higher planes of life. Practically every one who gains healing in Christian Science is mentally and morally elevated by it; for it calms and fortifies the spirit; it enlightens and purifies the mind; it sets free from the bondage of intemperance and vice; it inspires confidence, hope, and charity, to a degree that is not reached by any other method.

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