Article February 3, 1923 Issue

The faith of the Christian Scientist is higher than mere...

Frank W. Reed, Committee on Publication for the State of Idaho,—Boise

Idaho Statesman

The faith of the Christian Scientist is higher than mere blind belief. It is the faith of which Jesus spoke when he said of the centurion, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel;" and also when he said at the tomb of Lazarus: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." Mrs. Eddy clearly describes this faith on the first page of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she says, "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,—a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love." This faith has always existed; but it was rediscovered by Mrs. Eddy, and its great healing power given by her to the world through Christian Science.

The writer's objection to suggestion is true. Suggestion comes from so-called mortal mind, and is capable of all evil. For that reason, it cannot be a factor in Christian Science practice, which is based wholly on God, infinite good. Because evil can have no place in good, so there can no evil result from relying on God as the healing power. Christian Science defines God as all good, creating and governing man according to His own nature. Man, then, must be wholly spiritual and forever perfect. This accords with Jesus' teaching; for he said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." It is, then, the knowledge of this fact, with the denial or rejection of the belief of the reality of a material universe and material man, which accomplishes healing in Christian Science. Mrs. Eddy declared this fact when she said (Science and Health, p. 275): "Truth, spiritually discerned, is scientifically understood. It casts out error and heals the sick."

Sooner or later, death must be put off, not submitted to, for the Bible describes death as an enemy. As Paul said, "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." Jesus said, "If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death." He likewise demonstrated the unreality of the belief of death when he ascended; and we can only attain that understand ing by putting off the false material sense of creation, and putting on the true—understanding that man is spiritual and so lives forever. Christian Science to-day offers to the poor a surcease from lack; to the persecuted, peace; to the sorrowing, the joys of spiritual understanding; to the sinning, reform; and to the sick, a realization of health. There is no monopoly of this great teaching. It is free for all.

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