Article March 2, 1929 Issue

A short time ago your paper contained some remarks on...

Bjarne V. Böckmann, Committee on Publication for Norway,—Skien (translation)

Fremskridt

A short time ago your paper contained some remarks on Christian Science, signed by "Traveler." As several of the remarks were misleading and a few were in the form of questions, I must ask space for the following. Your correspondent declares that he believes that "the mighty powers which are above us, can make a sick person well—that is, perform miracles." Thus he believes in the possibility of seeing fulfilled the words of Jesus, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also." Christian Science bids its adherents follow in the footsteps of the Master as far as they are able. Christian Scientists therefore try to do the works which Jesus did; and there are numerous and indisputable proofs that diseases of all kinds have been healed through Christian Science. When "Traveler" takes offense because pay is received for the help which is thereby afforded, this must be due to his making demands on these healers which no one would think of making on, for instance, a clergyman or a physician. Nobody will think it fair that one who gives his time to helping his fellow-men should, as a consequence, be under the necessity of having his needs supplied by charity. "The labourer is worthy of his hire," must apply to all. This is recognized by many who have been healed through the loving work of Christian Science practitioners.

When a person has come to know a little of that truth which Jesus said would make us free, and has thereby been freed from, perhaps, many and serious forms of sin or sickness, it is natural that his gratitude should manifest itself in a strong desire to help others out of similar distress and misery. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, it will be seen, in the chapter on Christian Science Practice, that very great stress is laid on the charity, unselfishness, humility, and honesty of the practitioner. Compassion with suffering humanity, unselfish love of one's neighbor, must be the motive of the practitioner.

Christian Scientists realize that it is not always "so easy to walk in the footsteps of Jesus," and know from experience that self-love may be hard to conquer. Jesus could say, "I have overcome the world;" but he did not wait until the disciples had done so, before he sent them out to preach the gospel and heal the sick. Jesus is also the great example of humility. But his humility did not prevent him from taking up the fight against evil in all its forms. He saved men from sin, sickness, and death, saying, "I can of mine own self do nothing;" and, "The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." Christian Science practitioners pray daily and earnestly for that Mind to be in them "which was also in Christ Jesus."

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