Article August 13, 1927 Issue

There is one thing that may well be noticed about the...

Thomas C. Hollingshead, Committee on Publication for the State of Idaho,—Twin Falls

Daily News

There is one thing that may well be noticed about the adherents of Christian Science, and that is that they never ridicule or attack the religious views of another. They regard the liberty of thought of others as just as sacred as they do their own. They do not regard it as a Christly attitude to travel about with a figurative chip on their shoulder saying in effect, "What I say is the truth and if you have any other opinion, you are wrong." They claim that they have the right to their own beliefs as long as they do not molest others with these beliefs, but at the same time they know that the interpretation of the Scriptures which they have accepted has proved far more satisfying than what they formerly held. They know that this interpretation of the Scriptures has made their lives peaceful, bright, and cheerful. They know it has brought them closer to God. They know it has taught them to love and to study the Bible as they had never done and they know it has given them the desire to be more honest and brotherly in all their associations with their fellows. If these are the invariable fruits of this religious system, can we not safely leave it to be judged by that well-remembered teaching of the Master, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them"?

The revivalist is welcome to his interpretation of what the Bible teaches. He is welcome to his incorrect opinion of what he believes to be Christian Science; but claiming to be a follower of the Master he should allow others the same freedom that is granted him. Your readers doubtless know Christian Scientists and number some of them among their best friends and nothing this speaker may say can make them alter their opinion of these friends.

Has this revivalist studied the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, with an open and unbaised mind? This is a very different thing from reading it for the purpose of criticizing it. Has he tried to put its teaching into practice and show that he understands this teaching by producing some of its fruits, as thousands of his fellows are doing? If not, he should not be hasty in criticizing something he does not understand. Christian Science is provable Christianity. It is manifestly good because it does good. And for the same simple reason it is from God. The first fruits of its teachings are better and healthier men and women, better and happier husbands and wives, more dutiful and obedient children. On page 483 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy has written: "If any system honors God, it ought to receive aid, not opposition, from all thinking persons. And Christian Science does honor God as no other theory honors Him, and it does this in the way of His appointing, by doing many wonderful works through the divine name and nature." This book may be found in nearly all public libraries; and by reading it those who heard this speaker or read your report of what he said can judge for themselves whether Mrs. Eddy is correct in her claim that it is based solely on the Bible. On page 126 she states: "I have found nothing in ancient or in modern systems on which to found my own, except the teachings and demonstrations of our great Master and the lives of prophets and apostles. The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in 'the straight and narrow way' of Truth."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
In a recent issue of your paper a minister, speaking on...
August 13, 1927
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit