Article May 21, 1927 Issue

Being the authorized representative of Christian Scientists...

Fred Yould, Committee on Publication for the State of Georgia,—Savannah

Press

Being the authorized representative of Christian Scientists in Georgia, I request that you kindly publish this letter, written to correct certain erroneous statements about Christian Science made by a minister of Los Angeles, and referred to in an item published in your recent issue. The numerous relentless and unfair criticisms made on our religion during the past few years by the minister illustrate the improprieties which are likely to be committed by one who turns aside from preaching his own religion in order to impose upon the public his misconceptions and prejudices of another religion and its adherents. The evangelist implied that the practice of Christian Science in healing disease by the power of prayer alone is contrary to Jesus' teachings. Citing the incident where Jesus "anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay," as evidence that the Master sanetioned the use of clay as an instrument in the art of healing, the minister seems to disregard the real interpretation and import of that incident. It would indeed have been a marked departure from the evident consistency of the work of the Master, wherein he always accomplished healing by the power of God, for him to have conceded healing power to "clay." A clearer understanding of this remarkable incident is afforded by Hastings' Bible Dictionary, where it is recorded that in Oriental practice, "spitting upon ... indicated deep despite." Therefore, it is not inconsistent to interpret his act of spitting upon the clay as showing his disdain for materiality and its means and methods. Jesus said, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing."

In their healing and regenerative work among mankind, Christian Scientists are following consistently the teachings and commands of Christ Jesus, who founded his church and maintained his work on the rock of spiritual healing. Accordingly, it is works rather than words which dominate his brief history among men, those works which resulted in restoring sight to the blind, feet to the lame, cleansing to the leper, surcease to the sorrowing, and the healing of all manner of sin and disease among the people. Obviously the Master was not found bolstering up something mostly based on theory. He taught by giving practical proof that God is good, and the only power, and that man is His spiritual image and likeness. Christian Scientists are endeavoring humbly to let their sincerity and fidelity to God and His Christ be expressed by deeds more than by words: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." On page 26 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy writes: "Our Master taught no mere theory, doctrine, or belief. It was the divine Principle of all real being which he taught and practised. His proof of Christianity was no form or system of religion and worship, but Christian Science, working out the harmony of Life and Love."

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