Article December 15, 1923 Issue

The critic seeks to interpret some of Christ Jesus'...

Lester B. McCoun, Committee on Publication for the State of Nebraska,

World-Herald, Omaha

The critic seeks to interpret some of Christ Jesus' sayings and works in such a manner as to have it appear that Jesus not only indorsed material means for healing but actually resorted to such methods. With reference to the "laying on of hands," it is generally understood by Bible students that this expression refers to the application of the spirit of Christ in any situation. In this sense, the "laying on of hands" was seen with equal clearness when Jesus healed the multitudes without physical contact; when he walked on the water, stilled the storm at sea, transported the ship to land, and produced the tax money from the fish's mouth. The Bible record refutes the assertion that Jesus used material means for healing instead of the power of God, Spirit, as well as the inference that he ever needed material means to aid him. If Jesus needed the hands or clay to heal, why did he not use them with Bartimaeus, the centurion's servant, the maniac whose name was Legion, the palsied man, the lepers, and many others? What healing method did he choose for himself when within the tomb; and why, after the resurrection, did he rebuke the material views of Thomas and others of the disciples? Jesus' disavowal of matter is pointedly stated in these words: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." In rebuking the human desire for peace in matter he said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing."

Jesus had ample opportunity to advise his followers to rely on changing methods of material healing had he wished to do so; but his words, works, and life were in direct opposition to material law and causation. His life was expressive of a pure, clean mind, which is the true basis of sanitation. Those who were not ready to accept spiritual healing were left by him to such sense of comfort and security as they might obtain through their own devices. Of those who accepted his teaching, he said, "I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish." If popular theories of contagion and so-called preventive medicine are true, how could Jesus have assured eternal life to his followers without making such material methods known? Jesus obeyed the laws of the land, and admonished others to do so. Christian Scientists are, therefore, among the foremost in obedience to valid laws. They do not, however, believe in state medicine any more than in state religion. They do not believe the state should so far forget the rights of medical freedom as to permit the devotees of any system of healing to override the individual rights which democratic governments are formed to maintain. They are learning to work harmoniously among those with whom they disagree medically and religiously, in a sincere effort to establish the reign of Love and peace on earth. Mrs. Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 55), "My weary hope tries to realize that happy day, when man shall recognize the Science of Christ and love his neighbor as himself,—when he shall realize God's omnipotence and the healing power of the divine Love in what it has done and is doing for mankind."

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The critic seeks to interpret some of Christ Jesus'...

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