Editorial February 14, 1931 Issue

A Positive Teaching

Clifford P. Smith

A paragraph about Christian Science in a recent book on religions in America, by a professor in a divinity school, furnishes an instance of what may be the most common misapprehension of this religion. Probably it is the most common misapprehension among people who should be able to appreciate authentic information and to draw intelligent conclusions. In this instance, however, the error is more than counterbalanced by the statement of an exceedingly important fact, for the fact fulfills the Master's test for all religions (Matthew 7:15–20), "Ye shall know them by their fruits."

Here is the paragraph in question: "Christian Science teaches that matter has no real existence, nor has evil, sickness, sin or even death. These are all illusions of mortal mind. Upon these principles Mrs. Eddy based her system of healing, by simply affirming that disease does not exist. Without discussing the absurdity of her 'philosophic sophistries,' it may be stated with truth that 'the therapeutic psychology which formed a part of her system' has conferred an almost inestimable boon upon many of those brought under its influence."

The third sentence in the foregoing paragraph contains the misapprehension which has furnished the occasion for this editorial. The two phrases quoted within the last sentence are from a more hostile book. The last sentence also contains the exceedingly important fact heretofore mentioned. This sentence attributes to Christian Science as much as can be said for any religion; that is, it "has conferred an almost inestimable boon upon many of those brought under its influence." Nevertheless, this boon would be greatly extended, this fruitage would be greatly increased, if this religion were more correctly and generally understood.

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