Article May 2, 1925 Issue

Christian Science is just the restatement of primitive...

John W. Harwood, Committee on Publication for Lancashire, England,—Rochdale

Observer

Christian Science is just the restatement of primitive Christianity; and the understanding of its teachings regarding the nature of God and His creation enables its followers to heal the sick in accordance with Jesus' promise, which was, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." Christ Jesus did not say that healing would be accomplished by the concentrated thought of groups of people anticipating great results, as the Dean suggests. Neither does Christian Science say so. In fact, the word "concentration" in relation to Christian healing is never mentioned in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The method of mental manipulation by concentration of thought is a mortal or carnal mind operation, and is absolutely contrary to the teaching and practice of Jesus and of Christian Science. It is the casting out of devils "by Beelzebub the prince of the devils;" and it is acknowledged, even by those who use it, that it may be used for evil as well as good purposes. It is this so-called carnal mind (wrong thinking) that is responsible for all the ills on earth. Then how can this mind also be the remedy? Jesus said that he cast out devils not by Beelzebub but by the finger (power) of God,—the power of divine Mind; and he taught that this power was available through knowing the truth. His words were, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." One is rather surprised to hear from a Christian minister that Jesus almost always told the sick persons who had been made well that this had come about not by his power, but by their own faith. Certainly be told some that their faith had made them whole; but could the healing have been done without Jesus? Did Jairus' daughter raise herself from death by her faith? Did Lazarus and the son of the widow of Nain do likewise? No, indeed! The works of Jesus were accomplished by his correct understanding of God, the Father, and as the result of his consecrated life. This gave him the divine authority and power to destroy sickness, sin, and death wherever they confronted him.

Coué's method of healing, according to his own statement, has no connection with religion; whereas Christian Science healing is wholly religious in its operation. It enables men and women to know God; it uplifts spiritually and morally. It reforms the sinner and heals the sick. Christian Science does not teach its adherents to concentrate on what is wanted. What a mortal wants may be the worst thing possible for him; but Christian Science does teach the necessity of first seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness (right thinking), and then the things needful—health, happiness, and freedom—will be added.

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