Article May 28, 1927 Issue

There are a great many hostile writings in circulation...

Paul Gassner, Committee on Publication for Germany,—Marne i/Holstein (translation)

Marner Zeitung

There are a great many hostile writings in circulation about the religious teaching of Christian Science which, unfortunately, are often considered to be true. But a great many theologians who have taken the trouble to investigate without prejudice the religious teachings of Christian Science from its authorized writings are judging it correctly. By way of information, it may be remarked that Christian Science not only is a system of healing, but is the Christian religion, and its aim is to restore primitive Christianity as taught and proved by Jesus.

The Discoverer and Founder of this religion, Mary Baker Eddy, has complied the teachings of Christian Science in a textbook entitled, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." This textbook is founded solely on the Bible, and contains nothing in opposition to the teachings of Jesus as found in the New Testament. The healing of the sick is not the main object of Christian Science, but it certainly is one of the stipulations of Christianity. The New Testament has handed down to us quite plainly the instructions given by Jesus to put our faith into practice through works; and the healing of sickness is one of the proofs of faith through works, which Jesus practiced and which he enjoined his followers to emulate. Jesus taught that he did not do the works of himself, but that it was the Father who worked through him. Likewise, the Christian Scientist knows that he, personally, is not a healer, but that the laws of Truth are just as effective to heal to-day as they were at the time of primitive Christianity. Christian Science admonishes us, and it considers it one of the most important of Christian duties, to follow Jesus' example not only in one branch of his teaching, but in all its branches. The designations, "Prayer Healers" and "Thought Healers," which those who know nothing of this religion call Christian Scientists, are misleading. These designations might imply that the Christian Scientist is one who attempts to bring about healings by the use of prayer formulas, or by the practice of human will-power. Christian Science strongly repudiates the use of formulas of every kind. Chapters IV and V of the above-mentioned textbook especially warn against spiritualism, hypnotism, and all influence of so-called human will. Neither can Christian Science be called pantheistic. Enlightenment on this subject may be gained from the textbook, as well as from Mrs. Eddy's book "Christian Science versus Pantheism." The conception expressed by some hostile writings on the attitude of Christian Science in regard to prayer is not shared by many theologians. The first chapter of Science and Health is devoted to pryaer, and the holy interpretation of prayer found in Christian Science has been acknowledged by many. The Lord's Prayer is repeated by the whole congregation in all Christian Science churches in its original form.

Chapter II of the textbook shows that Christian Science attaches the highest and holiest importance to Jesus' work of redemption. Mrs. Eddy never stated that the truth of Christian Science could be recognized in full at once, or that sin, disease, and death had already been entirely overcome. In accordance with the Bible she states that the "last enemy" to be destroyed is death. But this victory will be attained only when all mankind has overcome the flesh and has reached spiritual perfection. In "The Life of Mary Baker Eddy" by Sibyl Wilbur, we find a truthful description of Mrs. Eddy's life-work. This book has been translated into German and is on sale in all Christian Science Reading Rooms. Christian Science is not seeking contention with other religious sects. Its fundamental rule of guidance is the First Commandment and the commandment to love our neighbor as ourself. It recognizes that there can be only one God and one Christ, hence one Christendom, in which all men are brothers.

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