Article December 29, 1923 Issue

The use of the word "science" in connection with the...

Fred B. Kerrick, Committee on Publication for Northern California,—Healdsburg

Sotoyome Scimitar

The use of the word "science" in connection with the word "Christian" is most consistent. In Webster's New International Dictionary, the word "Science" is defined as "knowledge of . . . facts; . . . accumulated and accepted knowledge which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth; comprehensive, profound, or philosophical knowledge." Would it be possible to find a word which could be used more consistently, and which would harmonize more completely with the word "Christian"? It signifies a knowledge of Christianity as practiced by Jesus. It is a fixed fact concerning Christianity. It is a knowledge with reference to the discovery of universal truth; a general knowledge with reference to the operation of the universal laws of God, being classified as spiritual and made available in life, in work, or in the search for truth; and above all, it is comprehensible to all who wish to avail themselves of it.

The first Tenet in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, is the following (p. 497): "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life;" and to every Christian Scientist the Bible is a "sufficient guide." The textbook of Christian Science has been found by its students an indispensable key with which the Scriptures are unlocked; and the profoundness of this marvelous book is revealed in its simplicity. Isaiah says, "The vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed." Mrs. Eddy had no thought of telling the world any new thing, her only motive being to unlock the sealed book that all mankind may partake of its rich treasures. Every earnest student of Christian Science necessarily becomes a diligent student of the Bible. One who has taken enough interest in Christian Science to read its textbook can readily understand that by reason of its divine nature it is so closely allied to the Bible that it would be impossible to separate the one from the other.

Christian Science teaching makes no compromise with evil of any nature. It follows unreservedly the teachings of the Master.

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