Article July 12, 1924 Issue

In recent issues of the Messenger were printed some...

Brigman C. Odom, Committee on Publication for the State of Texas,—Marshall

Messenger

In recent issues of the Messenger were printed some references to Christian Science, and to the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, that should have correction. The effort of the critic was to make it appear that Christian Science is a false religion. To do this it would be necessary to prove that Christian Science is not founded upon the basic teachings of the Bible. We might name some, such as, for example, those concerning God, Jesus and the Christ, the atonement, evil, and so on; and it could be made clear that Christian Science is in accord with the Bible teaching on all these questions. In defense of Mrs. Eddy, it can be said that she is world-famed for her intelligence, honesty, generosity, and spiritual genius; and this is being recognized. In spite of the many ruthless and abusive attacks made on her by her enemies, she stands as the foremost woman of the world. Many editorial comments like the following show the veneration and regard felt toward Mrs. Eddy by the unbiased, unprejudiced thinkers of her day. The Baltimore Sun says, "Her place in history as one of the really extraordinary women of her day is secure." Mrs. Eddy was good enough and pure enough and spiritual enough to gain fuller glimpses of God than others of her time; and this enabled her to bring to human apprehension spiritual things, so that they could be made practical in daily needs.

The test of a religion should be its teaching and its fruits. Does not the Christian Science religion make of its adherents better men and women than they were before they accepted Christian Science? Were not some of them lifted up from the very depths of despair, and almost from the grave? Are they not as a rule good neighbors and citizens? Do they not obey the laws of the country, and believe in complying with right sanitary regulations? Christian Science does not reject the Christ of the Bible. It teaches that Christ is "the way"; it is in accord with Peter when he says: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Jesus the Christ is accorded the greatest reverence throughout all of Mrs. Eddy's writings. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (Pref., p. ix) she refers to herself as "a willing disciple at the heavenly gate, waiting for the Mind of Christ." The teachings of the Master form the basis on which Christian Science builds. Christian Science recognizes the Christ, the impersonal Saviour, as ever present, and as available at all times to heal sick and sinful mortals. Christ, as the spiritual idea, is honored and magnified throughout all the authorized works on Christian Science. Jesus referred to God as "my Father, and your Father." Christian Science teaches that the mission of Jesus was to show mortals the way out of sin and distress by making them acquainted with God. The student of Christian Science finds that Christian Science implies true, exact knowledge; that it is that which brings to mortals the interpretation of God as infinite good; that it is God's law, and that this law is ever available to meet all human needs. Christian Science is the standard set and fixed by Christ Jesus in his life and mission in the world. Christian Science and its methods are therefore directly opposed to suggestion, hypnotism, mental science, and the like. It is founded on immortal Truth; it acknowledges no power but good; it recognizes one God, who is infinite good, and one Christ, who is an ever present help when understood.

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