Article April 17, 1926 Issue

A correspondent, writing in your issue of recent date,...

Everett P. Clark, Committee on Publication for the State of Washington,—Bellingham

Herald

A correspondent, writing in your issue of recent date, estimates the number of American people allied with some religious movement, and adds, "This estimate, however, covers the rostra of all creeds, including Christian Science, Mormonism, and spiritualism." These statements seem to imply that he does not consider Christian Science a religion; and that he would also classify it with Mormonism and spiritualism, with neither of which Christian Science has anything in common. We shall appreciate space for a brief reply.

Webster defines religion as "conformity in faith and life to the precepts inclucated in the Bible, respecting conduct of life and duty toward God and man." On page 497 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, will be found the religious tenets of Christian Science, the first of which is, "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life." And the closing tenet reads, "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure." Could any statements more completely coincide with the accepted definition of religion, as above quoted?

Only a few days ago a prominent writer of another religious faith said, "One reason for the success of Christian Science ... is the fact that they [Christian Scientists] use religion." To use is to practice, and Christian Scientists interpret the use or practice of religion as meaning to obey the commands of Jesus to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils;" and, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." That Christian Scientists are really carrying out these commands is evident by the thousands who daily testify to having been healed of all manner of sin and disease. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

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