Article April 15, 1933 Issue

In your paper of October 12 a local minister takes exceptions...

John M. Dean, Committee on Publication for the State of Tennessee,—Memphis

Commercial Appeal

In your paper of October 12 a local minister takes exceptions to my use in a recent article of the words "mysticism" and "occultism." This article was not designed to provoke controversy, but briefly to explain the Christian Science attitude on things mysterious and superstitious. However, it now seems necessary to refer to dictionary definitions in this connection. They are in part: "Mystical. ... Remote from or beyond human comprehension; baffling understanding; unknowable; obscure; mysterious." "Occult. ... Hidden from the eye or the understanding; secret; concealed; hence, mysterious, supernormal, or supernatural." This last definition also names "alchemy, magic, necromancy" as relating to occult qualities. No Christian Scientist will question the right of our friend to believe in these things if he so desires. In a kindly spirit we merely assert that they are no part of Christian Science teaching.

There is no warrant for implying that Christian Scientists have a "contempt" for medical doctors. On the contrary they have a profound respect for the thousands of good men and women who are engaged in the practice of medicine. They are, however, convinced that they have found a better way and ask only the tolerance for their beliefs which they accord to others. As to what does or does not constitute "superstition" we can look to no higher authority than Christ Jesus. We have no record that the Master ever used medicine in any form, yet it is quite certain that no Christian minister would charge him with practicing superstition.

Christian Scientists ask only to be judged by the just standards set up by the Founder of the Christian religion. A departure from these standards is all that has caused Christianity to fall short of proving his unequivocal promises.

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