Article September 5, 1925 Issue

There is probably no subject about which accurate information...

Richard H. Smith, Committee on Publication for the State of Montana,—Baker

Fallon County Times

There is probably no subject about which accurate information is more lacking, among those who are not its adherents, than Christian Science. Consequently, there is an occasional adverse criticism. Referring to these, a friendly preacher, when introducing a Christian Science lecturer, once remarked that it was his observation that ordinarily the thing criticized was not Christian Science. It is with the hope that I may make clear a few subjects which are sometimes the object of attack that this article is written.

Christian Science is not faith cure, as that term is commonly understood. It is that spiritual healing for which there is such abundant Scriptural warrant. It is not hypnotism, but the present-day practice and application of the spiritual laws by which Jesus healed. Faith healing, as commonly understood, is a more or less blind trustfulness that God will heal. In Christian Science we take the step from trustfulness to trustworthiness. Not only do we trust, but, by a right application of God's laws, we prove that He heals. Thus, healing in Christian Science is not by faith born alone of unbelief, but of knowledge. The Scriptures abound with promises of spiritual healing. James tells us that "the prayer of faith shall save the sick." It is sometimes claimed that there is no Scriptural authority for spiritual healing in this age. We need look for such authority no further than the verse just quoted. To interpret it otherwise would be to ignore unambiguous language. The fact that Christian Science heals is so well established that it is scarcely ever questioned. It is sometimes stated, however, that its practice is suggestion or hypnotism. The exact opposite is the fact. Hypnotism ascribes power to suggestion. Christian Science applies literally the Scriptures that "there is no power but of God." Christian Science healings result from the practice and application of that fact. We insist that God, divine Mind, is the only cause. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 415), "Immortal Mind is the only cause." It is from this premise that all Christian Science treatments proceed. In common parlance, thoughts are the seeming product of the so-called mortal, human, or carnal mind. Paul makes clear that they can be no part of a system of therapeutics dependent upon God, the only cause. He says in Romans that the carnal mind is "enmity against God." In terms equally positive Mrs. Eddy rejects them: "Material and temporal thoughts are human, involving error, and since God, Spirit, is the only cause, they lack a divine cause" (Science and Health, p. 286). Hypnotism, which is but material or temporal thought or suggestion, it will be seen, is expressly rejected by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. It is sometimes said that spiritual healings were limited to Jesus and his apostles. His own words repudiate that contention. He said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." The works that Jesus did were healing. He makes plain that those who believe shall also heal. The fact that Christian Scientists do heal indicates that their conception and application of belief is Scriptural.

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