Article May 14, 1927 Issue

I observe an interesting article in your recent issue, under...

Theodore Burkhart, Committee on Publication for the State of Oregon,—Eugene

I observe an interesting article in your recent issue, under the caption, "Every Man His Own Interpreter," in which a correspondent points out some of the differing creedal beliefs which partly account for so many religious denominations. Among other things, he refers to a well-known religious movement having discarded the two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper, which, he says, "all other Christians observe except the Quakers and Christian Scientists." This reminds me that the teachings of Christian Science, with respect to the sacraments referred to, are not infrequently misrepresented, because misunderstood, and I believe many of your readers will be interested in an explanation of the Christian Science viewpoint.

It is true that the Christian Scientist does not accept many of the so-called orthodox theological beliefs, nor does he practice ceremonial rites as do other Christian denominations. To him mere ritual observance "profiteth nothing," inasmuch as the real essence of such religious ordinances as "Christian baptism" and the "Lord's Supper" lie in their spiritual meaning, and their efficacy in their spiritual application. Christian Science—as did the Master—stresses the importance of cleansing the inside of the platter; and in its ministry of healing sickness, sin, and kindred human ills, Christian Science emphasizes the truism of Jesus, "It is the spirit that quickeneth." What Christian Science teaches with respect to the spiritual significance and practical import of baptism and the Lord's Supper fully accords with the teachings of the master Christian, and is entitled to classification as Christian. Baptism is none the less Christian because observed in spirit rather than in a ceremonial way. The following excerpts from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, indicate the Christian Science standpoint and the emphasis we place on spiritualization of thought in this connection:

"Christian Science has one faith, one Lord, one baptism; and this faith builds on Spirit, not matter; and this baptism is the purification of mind,—not an ablution of the body, but tears of repentance, an overflowing love, washing away the motives for sin; yea, it is love leaving self for God" (The People's Idea of God, p. 9).

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