Article June 4, 1927 Issue

A doctor's summary of the article from Mental Hygiene,...

Ralph B. Textor, Committee on Publication for the State of Ohio,—Dayton

Journal

A doctor's summary of the article from Mental Hygiene, published in your recent issue, shows a desire to reduce various systems of religious healing, including Christian Science, to a least common denominator, in order that in some way this common essential might be incorporated into medical practice for use by physicians as well as by clergymen. This would be a very interesting effort were it not for the diametrically opposite elements involved in Christian Science and all other systems which try to amalgamate Mind, or God, and matter. Christian Science contains no element of materiality, and must be approached and practiced on a purely spiritual basis. It is unique among the religions of to-day in its absolute adherence to the divine theology of Christ Jesus, accepting as real only that which is spiritual and good. The attitude of Christian Scientists is not one of hostility towards the medical profession, as stated by the doctor, nor yet toward any of the other systems of religion. Rather is their attitude distinctly charitable, in conformity with the admonition of their Leader, Mary Baker Eddy: "Students are advised by the author to be charitable and kind, not only towards differing forms of religion and medicine, but to those who hold these differing opinions" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 444).

As for the statement that "a patient with organic disease may be made more comfortable while the disease runs its course," attention should be called to the emphatic declaration by Mrs. Eddy (ibid., p. 162), "Christian Science heals organic disease as surely as it heals what is called functional, for it requires only a fuller understanding of the divine Principle of Christian Science to demonstrate the higher rule." Corroboration of this may be found in the following published statements made by two prominent medical authorities. Dr. Richard C. Cabot, formerly professor of clinical medicine and professor of social ethics in Harvard University, said: "The good effects of Christian Science I see on all sides. I have not the slightest doubt that it does good, that it cures disease, organic as well as functional, only I do not want anyone to say, And nothing else cures." Dr. Charles Hunter, of Winnipeg, associate professor of clinical medicine in the University of Manitoba, said: "Christian Science has helped many persons suffering from diseases, which to the medical practitioner had defied diagnosis. . . . Christian Science, furthermore, has brought relief to individuals who were victims of organic disorder, proving that psychotherapy is not solely confined to functional diseases."

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