Article April 20, 1929 Issue

In your paper of recent date there is quite an interesting...

Arthur J. Chapman, Committee on Publication for the State of Louisiana,—Monroe

News Star

In your paper of recent date there is quite an interesting article entitled, "Something to Think About;" but is contains certain incorrect statements regarding Christian Science, which I hope you will allow me to correct by publication of this letter. In the first place, Christian Science does not teach that "all people are good;" and it is rather difficult to understand how anyone could reach such a conclusion, even if but slightly acquainted with its teachings. Christian Science is founded on the Bible, and we read therein that "none is good, save one, that is, God." In Christian Science we understand that to be good is to manifest those Godlike attributes which are inherent in the real man created in God's image and likeness. Some people may manifest mor of good than others, but if we pin our faith on personality we are more than likely to be disappointed. We thoroughly agree with our critic that Christian Science "produces and cheerful frame of mind" and that "it had taken a definite and apparently permanent place in therapeutics;" but that it helps to cure only ailments which are pronounced largely imaginary, by denying the existence of sickness, is not in accord with the facts.

Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 460): "Sickness is neither imaginary nor unreal,—that is, to the frightened, false sense of the patient. Sickness is more than fancy; it is solid conviction. It is therefore to be dealt with through right apprehension of the truth of being." It should be plain to everyone that God did not create sickness (if He did, it would be useless to try to destroy it). The Bible informs us that all He created is "very good"; therefore Christian Scientists are consistent when they treat sickness as a manifestation of the carnal mind, which Paul declares is "enmity against God." Our critic says that "to leave cancer, diphtheria, or smallpox to Christian Science healing is dangerous." Now there is no more reality in the diseases just mentioned than in any other disease. Jesus made no such distinction in his healing work; and Christian Scientists, understanding that it is God who heals the sick, do not place any limitation on His power. Christian Science heals all manner of disease, whether it be smallpox, diphtheria, or cancer; and there is no lack of evidence to this effect. It is proper to add, however, that Christian Scientists obey all the laws of the land regarding the reporting of infectious disease and the observing of quarantine regulations.

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