Article June 21, 1924 Issue

It is both surprising and regrettable that a minister of...

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

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It is both surprising and regrettable that a minister of the gospel should have to be reminded that the healing of the sick and reforming of the sinner by purely spiritual means, as taught and practiced in Christian Science, was regarded by no less an individual than the Founder of the Christian religion himself as a confirmation and not, as our friend seems to think, a contradiction of its fundamentals. "These signs," said Jesus, "shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; ... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Thus did the Master clearly indicate that the only fair test of one's spiritual understanding and true discipleship was the results attained through the practical application of his teachings in human affairs. Such a test is the one by which the world must and will judge Mary Baker Eddy and the religion founded by her. When those of opposing religious views feel called upon to make the Word of God not only the subject of dispute but an excuse for criticizing their brother, it would be well for them to remember the sound advice given by Gamaliel in the book of Acts. This lawyer of Biblical fame, addressing himself to those who were bitter in their opposition to the manner in which the disciples of Jesus were preaching and practicing the religion of their Master, said: "Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. ... And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Interesting enough, many of the better informed members of the clergy sharply disagree with the attitude of our friend toward Christian Science.

A much respected clergyman of one of the western states, for instance, recently said in the course of his sermon: "Christian Science is idealism enthroned. I like the Christian Scientist, last and best of all, because he is honestly trying to produce and reproduce the life of Jesus, here and now. The Christian Scientists believe that the life of Jesus can be realized, in doctrine and practice, in modern times. So they give themselves to thought, daily con the pages of Holy Writ, and smile as though they were billionaires in spiritual blessings. I like the Christian Scientist. If this be heterodoxy, make the most of it. I like him best of all because he would bring Christ from the skies and enthrone him in the affairs of our modern life—here and now."

Perhaps the best possible refutation of the prophecy that Christian Science is doomed to failure is to be found in the present substantial status of this religious movement. Its sound and rapid growth is now quite generally acknowledged, even by those outside its ranks. In this connection a book reviewer for one of the prominent metropolitan papers recently stated in a published article on "Epoch-making Books": "In many respects Mary Baker Eddy's book, when taken in connection with the times in which it was written and the results that followed its publication, is the most remarkable to be found in the libraries of the world. ... And the influence of this astonishing book seems to be steadily growing. Magnificent temples dedicated to the new religion are rising up as if by magic on every hand, and, what is more to the point, they are filled to the doors with devout and deeply interested worshipers."

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