Article October 6, 1928 Issue

Under the heading "Twilight Mood" a report appeared...

Thomas A. Wyles, Committee on Publication for South Australia,—Adelaide

News

Under the heading "Twilight Mood" a report appeared in a recent issue of the News of a sermon delivered in St. Peter's Cathedral by an archdeacon, in which disparaging references were made to Christian Science. The statements made were so unloving in spirit and so contrary to the views held by many prominent Anglicans, that I submit this letter for the information of your readers.

The sermon deals, generally, with laxity of life and morals at the present day, and then, after referring to Christian Science (bracketed with theosophy and spiritualism, to which it is utterly opposed), continues with the astonishing statement from a Christian pulpit regarding another Christian religion: "In the wake of faiths so vague and unreal the foes of morals followed closely, bringing with them alleged self-expression, free love, and exploitation." In direct conflict with this assertion is the following excerpt from the Encyclical Letter issued by the archbishops and bishops assembled in the Lambeth Conference of 1920: "There is much in Christian Science which ought to be found within the Church." Surely what ought to be found in the Anglican church must be good!

In fact, by voluntarily dissociating himself from material methods of healing, the Christian Scientist's only hope for health and happiness lies in his obedience to the laws of God. The Bishop of Kensington (England) once addressed a conference of clergy as follows: "Why do we not heal the sick in Christ's name as did the early church? It is to find an answer to that question that I ventured to suggest this conference to-day. And in my invitation I draw your attention to the challenge which the action of that body of Christians called Christian Scientists makes. It is to me indisputable that they do heal the sick both in mind and body. That notable miracles have been wrought by them we cannot deny." I know that the archdeacon is sincere, and it is a pity that he should allow lack of understanding or bias to influence his public statements. In her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 (p. 14) Mrs. Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes: "The popular philosophies and religions have afforded me neither favor nor protection in the great struggle. Therefore, I ask: What has shielded and prospered preeminently our great Cause, but the outstretched arm of infinite Love? This pregnant question, answered frankly and honestly, should forever silence all private criticisms, all unjust public aspersions, and afford an open field and fair play."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Under the heading "Twilight Mood" a report appeared...

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access