Christian Science is classed with new-thought in an unsigned...

John Murray Burriss, Committee on Publication for the State of Kansas,

Galena Republican

Christian Science is classed with new-thought in an unsigned article entitled "Mind Cure," which appeared in your esteemed paper of August 2. It is evident that the writer of the article does not understand Christian Science; and so it is not surprising that he believes Christian Science and new thought to be similar. I shall greatly appreciate it, therefore, if you will grant me space to point out the inaccuracy of this reference to Christian Science.

New-thought and all systems of so-called mind cure are based on the so-called human mind and adhere to the belief that one human mind, acting upon or controlling another human mind, can bring about at will either good or evil results in the human body and in human experience. However, it is plain to be seen that such a method of practice is very unreliable, and that the results obtained must be in the highest degree uncertain. Jesus defined such practice as a house divided against itself which shall not stand; and Paul, describing the carnal mind, says it "is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Christian Science, therefore, rejects the unenlightened human mind as a factor in its healing and regenerating work, and relies entirely upon the divine Mind, God, as the only true healing power; and it is this complete reliance on God which sharply distinguishes Christian Science practice from all other so-called mental means of healing.

Christian Science teaches that the carnal mind is the procuring cause of all discord and disease; and, as like produces like, it is self-evident that the power which causes disease cannot cure it. Therefore, freedom from the false beliefs which produce disease can be wrought only by some power other than the so-called human mind, and this power Christian Science declares to be God, the supreme, infinite Mind. It was his understanding of this Mind which enabled Jesus to do his mighty works; and, likewise, it is the understanding of this Mind which enables the Christian Scientist to heal the sick and sinning.

As to the "unorthodox theology" attributed to Christian Science by this critic, it may be said that whether a given teaching or doctrine is unorthodox depends upon the standard by which it is judged. Mrs. Eddy writes on page 145 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The theology of Christian Science includes healing the sick." So did the theology of Jesus; and judged by the standard of his teaching and practice, to which it uncompromisingly adheres, Christian Science is the truest exponent of the religion established by the Master.

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