Article November 7, 1936 Issue

The phenomenal spread of Christian Science amongst...

Charles W. J. Tennant,

Farnham Herald

The phenomenal spread of Christian Science amongst intelligent men and women throughout the civilized world is one answer to its critics. Christ Jesus set up a true standard of judgment when he said, "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." The fruits of Christian Science are revealed in a true understanding of God and of spiritual man, as His image and likeness; of the universe as the manifestation of Spirit; and in the consequent destruction of sin, disease, sorrow, poverty, and discord of all kinds. This is the spiritual truth to which Christ Jesus referred when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." In order to enable us to gain a knowledge of this truth he cited as the two great commandments, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind;" and "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

It will be seen from the foregoing that Christian Science teaching is based on spiritual understanding or a true knowledge of God, Spirit. It accepts absolutely that God, Spirit, is All-in-all, and that spiritual man and the spiritual universe are His infinite manifestation. Unless these truths are comprehended sufficiently to demonstrate them in the healing of the sick and the sinning, the subject has not been understood and its teachings will be "foolishness unto him" who tries to interpret them on any other basis.

On page 465 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy defines God as "incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love." In her book "Rudimental Divine Science" she writes (p. 2), "In Christian Science we learn that God is definitely individual, and not a Person, as that word is used by the best authorities, if our lexicographers are right in defining person as especially a finite human being; but God is personal, if by person is meant infinite Spirit."