Article August 14, 1926 Issue

The charges that it is "heresy" and that it is "off the lines...

Frank Savage, Committee on Publication for Nottinghamshire, England,—Mansfield

Mansfield and North Notts Advertiser

The charges that it is "heresy" and that it is "off the lines of Christian belief," made against Christian Science in the Parish Church and St. Mark's Parish Magazines, Mansfield, recently, are obviously made by one who has gained his information of Christian Science, not from the right source, the works of its Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, but from antagonistic writings. Surely the way to gain authoritative knowledge of any subject is to read the accredited textbook on that subject. The imputation of "heresy" is one of which the correct interpretation of the teachings of Christ Jesus is the question solely involved; and the unprejudiced inquirer will find that Christian Science does not in any way depart from the letter of the Holy Scriptures, but interprets them spiritually, thus explaining the Bible as wholly demonstrable, and presenting the teachings of the Master as practical in the solution of all problems found in human experience. Christian Science rests on spiritual understanding, not belief. A "Christian belief," however beautiful theoretically, is of no practical value unless its spiritual import is understood, and rendered productive of the fruits which a right appreciation of truth will always yield. The spiritual sense of the words of Jesus discloses the power by which he performed his works; and it was this spiritual sense which he asked might be given to his disciples. One is grateful that our critic gives to Christian Science a meed of praise in his avowal that "sometimes there are cures;" but, were he honest with himself, he would give to Christian Science just acknowledgment for rousing the Christian churches to an investigation of spiritual healing, thereby endeavoring to fulfill our Master's commands to all his followers, found at the conclusion of Mark's Gospel: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. . . . And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Through the inspired interpretations by Christian Science of the teachings in the New Testament, the foregoing promises are being accomplished in the lives of its disciples, not in the uncertain way our critic suggests, but completely and regularly.

The unprecedented growth of the Church of Christ, Scientist, and the gratitude expressed at its Wednesday evening testimony meetings for the healing of disease deemed incurable, the overcoming of obdurate sin, the destruction of fear, the peace and joy which its beneficent message is bestowing, provide conclusive evidence of its ability to meet the spiritual and physical needs of mankind, and to measure up to the standard presented by Christ Jesus, who said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Mrs. Eddy, in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 28), epitomizes the question in the following words: "While respecting all that is good in the Church or out of it, one's consecration to Christ is more on the ground of demonstration than of profession. In conscience, we cannot hold to beliefs outgrown; and by understanding more of the divine Principle of the deathless Christ, we are enabled to heal the sick and to triumph over sin."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The charges that it is "heresy" and that it is "off the lines...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access