Article May 24, 1924 Issue

Extracts from Reports of Christian Science Committees on Publication for the Year Ended September 30, 1923

with contributions from Bliss Carman

For the State of New York.

There is to-day gratifying evidence of improvement, particularly in the secular press. The medical and sectarian publications are also gradually becoming more tolerant. While it is still necessary, in many cases, to urge upon editors the advisability of publishing our corrections, their attitude as a rule is kindly and considerate. Unfavorable criticisms continue to appear; but it is only just to say that seldom, if ever, do they emanate from the editors themselves. Such objectionable references usually find their way into the columns of the better publications without the knowledge of their responsible heads.

The number of corrections submitted during the past year exceeds that of the previous year by more than fifty per cent. This exceptional increase is due, primarily, to the unusual attention now being given to the mental cause and cure of disease by both religionists and medical men. The number of books and magazine articles written on the subject of mental therapy continues to increase. It is interesting, however, to note in this connection that the best informed writers on the subject quite generally concede that, as a remedial agency, Christian Science has definitely demonstrated its position in the field of therapeutics. They also acknowledge that, as a religious movement, it must be regarded and respected as a successful and established organization. Not infrequently, these writers attempt to explain Christian Science. Such attempts, though friendly in character, usually require correction. It may also be said that the growth and popularity of Christian Science has prompted certain so-called orthodox churches, as well as allied groups of religionists and practitioners of medicine acting independently of denominational organizations, to attempt to pattern the healing ministry of Christian Science. They would foise upon the public such substitutes as suggestion, manipulation, and psychotherapy for spiritual healing, as taught and practiced by our Leader. In comparing these systems with Christian Science, the press itself has at various times spoken approvingly of the latter. In fact, our church activities and the teachings of our Leader are frequently made the subject of favorable comment by the press. This has occurred several times in prominent metropolitan newspapers. One of these, in commenting editorially on Christian Science along with other modes of healing, said: "The health results from Christian Science are facts. These facts can only be explained by admitting a far greater control by mental impulses over the health than previous medical practice assumes." Another and much more important reference appeared in the form of a review of epoch-making books. Our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," was featured. Among other things the writer of the review stated that it was the most remarkable book to be found in the libraries of the world; and he added that its influence seems to be steadily growing. The author expressed astonishment that a new faith could be so firmly founded in a period of general enlightenment.

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