Article December 16, 1933 Issue

Permanence of Christian Science

[Written Especially for Young People]

ARTHUR J. TODD

High school and college students are constantly plied with plausible arguments aimed against fixed standards of conduct. They may be tempted by error's plea against steadfast rectitude, especially that right living which is guided and supported by sincere religious conviction. Indeed, even some mistaken teachers may endeavor to convey the impression that religion is not to be taken seriously. Under stress of such an aggressive suggestion of evil, young students of Christian Science may at times permit themselves to entertain the notion that possibly their religion is, after all, but a passing phase of human belief, or a set of human guesses and opinions to be put on or off, even as fashions change in dress or sport.

On the other hand, there are serious-minded students, not Christian Scientists, who are deeply concerned and even alarmed over the vitality and the rapid spread of Christian Science. They may have come from a narrow environment of so-called orthodoxy, or they may be preparing for the practice of some profession with which Christian Science, as they have mistakenly conceived it, seems to be in conflict. One of these students said to the writer after a class discussion on the evolution of religion, "What can be done to stop this Christian Science business?" This was a distressingly sincere question, and it revealed the chasm which separates this Science from misinformed human thought.

The only answer which the instructor could give this student was to urge him to get the facts regarding Christian Science and its results; to investigate Christian Science at first hand as he would study scientifically any other subject, and not depend upon hearsay or gossip or remote opinion; and finally, to recall Gamaliel's advice to his fellow council members who were wrought up to the point of violence over the spread of the apostles' teaching in Jerusalem. "Refrain from these men, and let them alone," he urged, "for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."

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December 16, 1933
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