Article February 7, 1925 Issue

While Christian Scientists are duly sensible of and appreciate...

Ralph W. Still,—Waco

Times-Herald

While Christian Scientists are duly sensible of and appreciate the noncritical character of the comments in an article appearing in a recent issue of the Times-Herald with reference to Christian Science, some of the statements and classifications therein are so erroneous that space for correction is respectfully requested. Now that the question of mental healing is so prominently before the world, and misconceptions of Christian Science, such as those expressed in the article under consideration, are still prevalent, it is highly important that there be a clear understanding as to what constitutes true spiritual healing, so that those interested may not be misled. The differentiation made by Christ Jesus between his method of healing and that erroneously attributed to him, as set forth in the twelfth chapter of Matthew and the eleventh chapter of Luke, is the differentiation make between Christian Science healing and the systems of mental therapeutics referred to in the article in question. Faith, or mere belief, as commonly understood, is not the foundation of Christian Science practice, which is based on an exact, demonstrable understanding of God and His law, which understanding, correctly applied, heals all manner of disease; and as for all forms of so-called mind cure, human psychology, mesmerism, psychotherapy in any mode or degree,—these are the polar opposites of Christian Science practice. To use the words of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, as found in the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 185), "Such theories have no relationship to Christian Science, which rests on the conception of God as the only Life, substance, and intelligence, and excludes the human mind as a spiritual factor in the healing work."

Further referring to this question of mental healing on the same page of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy has written, "Erroneous mental practice may seem for a time to benefit the sick, but the recovery is not permanent;" also (ibid., p. 398), "The Science of Mind must come to the rescue, to work a radical cure." It is the theology of Christian Science that heals; and this fact establishes a forever chasm between true spiritual healing and all mental modes based on the human mind as a spiritual element in the healing effort. Let it be understood, also, that the practice of Christian Science admits of no limitation and is not confined to the treatment of "nerves," as indicated in the article under discussion; for, when properly understood and correctly demonstrated, Christian Science heals "an aching tooth, an attack of indigestion, an irritable appendix," with equal facility. This fact is established by thousands of verifiable instances of those healed through Christian Science treatment (prayer) of every form of diseased conditions, both functional and organic.

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