Article August 31, 1929 Issue

An interesting interview with a celebrated physician was...

Edgar McLeod, Committee on Publication for Northern California,—Redding

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An interesting interview with a celebrated physician was printed in your issue of May 19. In reply to the question, "What do you say for Christian Science as a cure?" the doctor is reported to have answered in part: "I would prefer to regard it not in the light of a cure. It is no doubt comforting and sustaining when it plays its own part. I believe, however, that there is a confusion here as to the spiritual and bodily relations, a blurred line of vision. Cannot the clergy minister to the higher needs?" The doctor's reply, though involved and cautious, manifestly is intended to convey the impression that although Christian Science comforts and sustains, its efficacy in healing physical disease is questioned. Eminent members of his own profession hold opposite views to that implied in the doctor's answer. Dr. Charles Hunter, associate professor of clinical medicine in the University of Manitoba, has stated in a public address: "Christian Science has helped many persons suffering from diseases, which to the medical practitioner had defied diagnosis. Christian Science, furthermore, has brought relief to individuals who were victims of some organic disorder." Dr. Drummond Shiels, member of the British Parliament, during a debate on medical issues in the House of Commons, said: "Some of the most remarkable cases I know of, wonderful cures, have been in connection with Christian Science, which I have seen myself and known." Other eminent physicians could be quoted who have admitted the healing efficacy of Christian Science. But I believe that even more impressive and convincing are the authenticated testimonies of healing which have been appearing in the Christian Science periodicals for more than a third of a century, and the oral testimonies given at Wednesday evening meetings in Christian Science churches throughout the world. These written and oral testimonies of the healing of functional and organic diseases, given voluntarily by thousands of persons from all sections of society, certainly should carry more weight in judging Christian Science as a healing agency than the opinion of a physician who, if he has been correctly quoted, probably is not wholly free from bias.

Incidentally, it is submitted that the great Master, who, through spiritual power alone, healed all manner of disease (and commanded his followers to do likewise), did not experience the "confusion ... as to the spiritual and bodily relations" which the doctor professes to find in spiritual healing. On the contrary, Christ Jesus in at least several recorded instances made it clear to the one he had healed that the preservation of his restored health depended upon his moral and spiritual status.

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