Article April 6, 1929 Issue

As "Traveler's" recent remarks may give the readers of...

Bjarne V. Böckmann, Committee on Publication for Norway,

Fremskridt

As "Traveler's" recent remarks may give the readers of your esteemed paper an erroneous impression of certain sides of the activity of Christian Science practitioners, I must again ask for space for an answer. "Traveler" defends the right of clergymen and doctors to receive compensation for their work because of its being their means of livelihood, and rejects the right of the Christian Science healer by saying that he thereby renders himself guilty of a wrongful use of the words "in Jesus' footsteps." By comparing the three we find the following to be common to them: they all feel a strong desire to do what they can, each in his own way, to help their unhappy fellow-men. To be able to do this to the greatest possible extent, they make this work their vocation, and give all their time to it. Logic, as well as justice, would dictate that they should all receive a suitable compensation for their work. That this process of reasoning accords with Jesus' way of thinking is apparent from his words to the disciples when he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He did not indicate that they should be left to the charity of relatives or acquaintances, but said plainly that the doing of the work which he bade them do would bring them the necessary sustenance.

That Christian Science practitioners, like others, receive compensation for their work in the manner prevalent in our own time, is a practical necessity. In order to give to this question of compensation the place which it has in the consciousness of Christian Scientists, it is natural to recall what was pointed out in my answer to "Traveler's" earlier remarks. The thought of the practitioner must be imbued with unselfish love, and be free from thoughts of profit-making. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," said Jesus, adding, "and all these things shall be added unto you." The compensation must come as a natural consequence of honest and conscientious work. The work of Christian Science practitioners is healing work having a religious character throughout.

The statement that Christian Science "adapts itself conveniently to a part of Jesus' teachings and, as it were, blots out sacrifice and renunciation," must be due to lack of knowledge of this teaching. Christian Science points out very strongly that it is the duty and privilege of all men to follow Christ Jesus in all his ways. It bids its adherents search themselves and lay aside all that would hinder them in following in the Master's footsteps.

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