Article March 2, 1929 Issue

In the report of the Taunton Town Mission, in drawing...

Miss Kathleen O'Connor, Committee on Publication for Somerset, England,—Taunton

Somerset County Herald

In the report of the Taunton Town Mission, in drawing attention to the empty churches, a clergyman cited, among various reasons for this falling off in church attendance, the advent of "fancy religions," under which heading he placed Christian Science. As it is evident that there was a misapprehension of the teaching and mission of Christian Science, the following is offered for the information of your readers. The purpose of the Christian Science church was clearly stated at its inaugural meeting, when it was voted "to organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Church Manual, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 17). Now, the religion which is founded squarely and without reservation on the words, works, and commands of our Lord and Master could hardly be correctly described as a "fancy religion." Indeed, the religion which is manifesting to a marked degree the "signs following" demanded by Christ Jesus as a test of discipleship, including the healing of sickness as well as of sin, assuredly merits the respect of all earnest Christians.

Other reasons for the empty churches and the advent of Christian Science could hardly be better summed up than by quoting the reverend gentleman's words that "people were not satisfied with mere materialism," that "there was a spiritual hunger amongst the people," and "perhaps in part through the fault of the church neglecting aspects of truth that ought to have been emphasized." All this certainly points to a reaching out for pure spirituality, which is above all creed and dogma. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes on page 224, "A higher and more practical Christianity, demonstrating justice and meeting the needs of mortals in sickness and in health, stands at the door of this age, knocking for admission." And there are sure signs that it is not knocking in vain.

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