Article July 21, 1928 Issue

Your editorial in a recent issue of the News, "Extreme Measures Justified,"...

Theodore Burkhart, Committee on Publication for the State of Oregon,—Medford

Daily News

Your editorial in a recent issue of the News, "Extreme Measures Justified," comments upon reports that "come drifting in that illness prevails among children of certain homes to which a physician is never called," and I observe you express the suspicion that "some are cases of malignant diseases which the law says shall be reported to the health department." You may not have had in mind the homes of Christian Scientists, but inasmuch as Christian Scientists are sometimes criticized in that respect by the uninformed, I will appreciate the courtesy of your columns to say a word on their behalf.

It is undoubtedly true that there are plenty of homes in Medford, as elsewhere, where a physician is seldom or never called, for the very good reason that the parents and family have, for one reason or another, lost faith in the older schools of medicine and have come through personal experience to place their confidence in some drugless system which has brought them health and satisfaction. No doubt some of these people who have turned to drugless systems may not fully realize the importance of our health laws and the need of obeying them, but so far as Christian Scientists are concerned, their religion teaches strict obedience to the laws, even though the law be enforced in an objectionable manner, and inculcates cooperation with the authorities in all that pertains to the public welfare. So although it has been proved to their entire satisfaction that spiritual means of protection against disease is more efficacious than medical means, Christian Scientists are taught to report communicable diseases as our Oregon laws require, and faithfully to obey quarantine regulations. It is not uncommon for health officers to voice their opinion that Christian Scientists as a class are exemplary citizens in their obedience to health laws.

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
As editor you have decreed that the correspondence on...
July 21, 1928
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit