Article June 2, 1928 Issue

The contribution by "Faith" in a recent issue of the...

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

The contribution by "Faith" in a recent issue of the Register disagrees with the Christian Science interpretation of the atonement, and quotes Scriptural texts intended to support popular belief regarding this doctrine. I would first remind "Faith" of the first tenet of Christian Science: "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 497). The Bible teaches that God, Spirit, made everything that was made, including man, and pronounced it "very good." Christian Science conclusions are based on this premise, and are the logical deduction therefrom. The theory that God's wrath should be propitiated by venting it upon His beloved Son is so opposed to God's nature, as divine Love, that it calls for another explanation. Jesus himself pictured the father in the parable of the prodigal son as lovingly welcoming back the repentant son without anger or punishment. Christian Science teaches that Jesus overcame sin, sickness, and finally death, as an example for us to follow—stating that "greater works than these shall he do," to prove man's true relationship with God. John writes, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." And Paul says, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." In the light of this explanation Jesus' atonement becomes a glorious victory, and God's loving purpose in giving us such an example accords with His divine nature. The verses quoted by your correspondent then take on the form of a beautiful and joyous message. Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, defines atonement thus in Science and Health: "Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love" (p. 18).

A beautiful gift once sent to a friend consisted of a promise to think lovingly of him, to speak kindly of him, and to act accordingly.—

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