Article April 17, 1926 Issue

In the last issue of your paper is a letter headed, "Christian Science,"...

Miss Florence B. Russell, Committee on Publication for Hampshire, England,—Ventnor. Isle of Wight

Mercury

In the last issue of your paper is a letter headed, "Christian Science," which starts with a very mistaken statement; and as it may give a false impression to readers who wish to know the truth about Christian Science, I will ask you to allow me space to correct it. The letter begins by saying, 'We have what is practically Christian Science in what are called orthodox churches; faith healing by Mr. Hickson at Bradford and by Bernadette Soubirons at Lourdes." May I say at once that there is nothing in such methods which can be properly referred to as "practically Christian Science;" what is commonly called faith healing is not Christian Science. Christian Science is that understanding of God and His law which Christ Jesus revealed and which he taught and practiced, healing the sick and redeeming the sinner. This healing power was lost sight of possibly toward the end of the third century, and in this age God in His great love has again revealed Himself to the world through Christian Science as revealed to Mary Baker Eddy, its Discoverer and Founder.

Mrs. Eddy has made it unmistakably clear that Christian Science is distinct from all other methods of healing. In "Unity of Good" (pp. 9, 10) she writes: "Healing has gone on continually; yet healing, as I teach it, has not been practised since the days of Christ;" and she goes on to say: "What is the cardinal point of the difference in my metaphysical system? This: that by knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death, you demonstrate the allness of God. This difference wholly separates my system from all others." The position could not be expressed in more unequivocal terms; and one may safely assert that no one of the "orthodox" clergy would claim to be using Christian Science in face of Mrs. Eddy's definition.

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