In the very interesting letter written under date of April...

Jay Benjamin F. Showalter, former Committee on Publication for the State of Kansas,

Emporia Gazette

In the very interesting letter written under date of April 15, and published in full in the Gazette, June 2, 1936, there is a statement referring to Christian Science that is entirely erroneous and misleading.

Christian Science has nothing in common with the superstitious beliefs of which the author writes in leading up to the incorrect statement in his letter. The teachings of Christian Science are just the opposite of what he refers to as "applied psychology." This is what Mrs. Eddy refers to as "mystic psychology" on page 9 of her book "Unity of Good," where she says, "Jesus has made the way plain,—so plain that all are without excuse who walk not in it; but this is not the path of physical science, human philosophy, or mystic psychology."

True psychology is "the Science of Spirit, God," as Mrs. Eddy says on page 369 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." On page 3 of "Miscellaneous Writings" she says: "The tendency of mental healing is to uplift mankind; but this method perverted, is 'Satan let loose.' Hence the deep demand for the Science of psychology to meet sin, and uncover it; thus to annihilate hallucination."

The terms "applied psychology" and "mystic psychology" are of the so-called mortal mind of which they treat, and Paul refers to this mind as the "carnal mind," and declares that it is "enmity against God." Referring further to what he calls "applied psychology," the author says in his letter: "It is the same psychology as when the doctor says the patient is much better, and he really gets better. It is Christian Science, although they do not know it." This statement shows that the author is wholly lacking in his understanding of what Christian Science really is.

On page 1 of "Rudimental Divine Science" Mrs. Eddy has defined Christian Science as "the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony." This shows that one understanding Christian Science would never associate it with "applied psychology" or any of the superstitious beliefs referred to in the author's letter. The practice of Christian Science is neither suggestion nor autosuggestion; it is the utilization of the spiritual understanding of the truth which Jesus said we should know, the knowing of which would make us free.

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