Article April 19, 1924 Issue

A critic's statement that Christian Science is borrowed...

Willard Joseph Welch, Committee on Publication for the State of Iowa,—Cedar Falls

Daily Record

A critic's statement that Christian Science is borrowed from Berkeley is a mistake. Moreover Christian Science was a discovery, not an invention. Its teachings are proved true by demonstration, and in no other way. They are demonstrated even as the truths of mathematics are demonstrated, and thus proved to be correct. We are told in the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, on page 19, "Those who cannot demonstrate, at least in part, the divine Principle of the teachings and practice of our Master have no part in God."

The Bible declares that man is made in the image and likeness of God; therefore man must be spiritual, for the Bible also declares that God is Spirit. There are the human beliefs about man, and the truth about him. On which side are we standing?

Our critic says that "Mrs. Eddy's habits belied her doctrines: for example, she declared that cold does not exist, but always wore heavy furs." Mrs. Eddy probably wore furs as the simplest way to keep warm. Jesus said, "Suffer it to be so now." We must work out of our present beliefs. The Christian Science textbook declares on page 254, "We have not the power to demonstrate what we do not understand." The Bible teaches the truth, but how many of us can prove all its truths by demonstration? Christian Science teaches only what the Bible teaches. It does not teach that man is both material and spiritual. It does not teach that we can serve two masters. The Master said, "No man can serve two masters."

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