Article September 3, 1927 Issue

Although advertised as "Lectures on Christian Science,"...

Charles W. Hale, Committee on Publication for the State of Indiana,—South Bend

South Side Free Press

Although advertised as "Lectures on Christian Science," the statements pertaining to that religion made by a clergyman as reported in your recent issues were not authentic. They were merely the expressions of personal opinion, obviously prejudiced, which the speaker attempted to support or prove by unidentified and incomplete selections from Mrs. Eddy's writings. Moreover, some of these quotations were incorrect, and every one of them was detached from its explanatory context. Yet the speaker in question implied that they epitomized the full and true teachings of Christian Science. Evidence of such misrepresentation or distortion is given in the accusation that Mrs. Eddy, in certain quoted statements, claimed "absolute infallibility." This allegation is not supported by the quotations used from Mrs. Eddy's writings. These refer not to her personally but to Christian Science as the law of God revealed to mankind. In no place in her writings does Mrs. Eddy claim personal infallibility. She consistently ascribes all power to God, and holds herself as an obedient servant of the Most High, awaiting only His direction. Throughout the entire report allegations made give inferences directly opposite to that intended by Mrs. Eddy—an intent which is manifest if the full context is read and understood.

To attempt to correct in detail all the misrepresentations made would be impractical. However, it can be said without fear of successful contradiction that Christian Science has proved its place in the experience of mankind by its works. Let the individual desiring to know about Christian Science study the real teachings of that religion, and not be influenced or prejudiced by the attacks of its foes. Christian Science is a demonstrable religion. It accepts the Scriptures in their entirety. It is based upon the teachings and practices of Christ Jesus, and is teaching its followers to do the works Jesus commanded that they should do. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says: "The charge of inconsistency in Christianly scientific methods of dealing with sin and disease is met by something practical,—namely, the proof of the utility of these methods; and proofs are better than mere verbal arguments or prayers which evince no spiritual power to heal" (p. 355). This is confirmed by the Scriptural statement, "Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

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Although advertised as "Lectures on Christian Science,"...

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