Article March 5, 1927 ISSUE

My attention has just been drawn to two reports of sermons...

Ralph W. Still,

Post-Dispatch

My attention has just been drawn to two reports of sermons that have appeared in your columns in which the teachings of Christian Science are incorrectly set forth, and I would appreciate your courtesy in granting space for correction. In one of these reports a critic states that Christian Science healing is autosuggestive; but anyone who really understands Christian Science knows that as between spiritual therapeutics and suggestion, or hypnotism, there is no agreement whatever. The charge that Christian Scientists utilize suggestive methods in their healing ministry is precisely that which was made against Christ Jesus, who was accused by his enemies of healing the sick through "Beelzebub the prince of the devils;" this designation defining the occult mental methods in vogue in the Master's day, the modern equivalents for "Beelzebub" being suggestive psychotherapy and allied or similar systems, all having an hypnotic or mesmeric basis. However, the Master refuted the accusations of his opponents, and clearly differentiated between "Beelzebub" and his own spiritual practice, through which "the kingdom of God," spiritual harmony, came to those healed. He also pointed out that while one might enjoy relief from physical suffering, or experience a sense of moral cleansing through erroneous methods, the relief was temporary, and "the last state of that man is worse than the first." The explanation of this lies in the fact that systems of healing in which the human mind is regarded as a healing factor, are devoid of the Christ-power, being based on the "carnal mind," which Paul tells us is "enmity against God," instead of on the "mind of Christ;" and as Christian Science practice is wholly spiritual and Christlike, it is self-evident that it has nothing in common with suggestive methods or systems.

The further assertions of our critic that Christian Science teaches that it is only necessary to "deny" sin and sickness in order to be rid of them, and that "all that is needed is Science and Health with an Oxford binding and there will be no evil if you can learn to think it," are, of course, gratuitous, and calculated to excite ridicule. Such assertions betray a lack of comprehension of Christian Science, which teaches nothing shallow or incongruous. A knowledge of Truth is what frees one from error, not mere denial of error. "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." The study and demonstration of the truths taught in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," of which Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, is the author, have brought health, hope, and happiness to a multitude of people who were burdened with sin, sickness, and sorrow; and a scoff at this work is a scoff at teachings that have their basis and inspiration in the sacred Scriptures, as a sincere and careful study will reveal.

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