Article March 10, 1923 Issue

Christian Science does not heal by means of psychotherapy...

Charles E. Heitman, Committee on Publication for the State of New York,

North American Review

Christian Science does not heal by means of psychotherapy or autosuggestion; and no more does it require, as is the case with Coueism, the constant repetition of specially formulated phrases by those who turn to it for help. In fact, it specifically prohibits the use of formulas, and classifies all forms of suggestion as activities of the carnal mind, of which sin and its resultant states, sickness and death, are effects. Christian Science logically holds, therefore, that since the seeming cause of disease obtains in the carnal mind, which, as Paul tells us, is the source of death and "enmity against God," its cure must come not, as our critic implies, through a supernatural enforcement of the corporeal will, itself a product of this supposititious mind, but from the natural operation of the corrective and curative power of divine Mind in human consciousness, before which all phases of sin and disease yield as readily and inevitably as darkness gives way to light. The Christian Scientist, striving to emulate the example of Christ Jesus, earnestly prays, "Not my will, but thine, be done;" realizing that God's blessings are obtainable only by full and complete submission to His will. Furthermore, the primal object of treatment in Christian Science is to improve the individual morally and spiritually; while suggestive and hypnotic methods of mental healing have no religious element, but look merely to physical betterment. In drawing a distinction between the operation of Christian metaphysics, as taught and practiced by her, and the various systems of mental therapy based on a belief in the power of human will, Mrs. Eddy has stated the case most clearly on page 144 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," where she writes: "Human will-power is not Science. Human will belongs to the so-called material senses, and its use is to be condemned. Willing the sick to recover is not the metaphysical practice of Christian Science, but is sheer animal magnetism."

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