In the criticism of Christian Science...

Robert E. Key

Bromley and West Kent Mercury

[Lt.-Col. Robert E. Key, District Manager of Committees on Publication for Great Britain and Ireland, in the Bromley and West Kent Mercury]

In the criticism of Christian Science published in your recent issue a clergyman says that he sees "a great deal of Christian teaching in the Church of Christ, Scientist." In her work "Miscellaneous Writings," Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes (p. 21): "As the ages advance in spirituality, Christian Science will be seen to depart from the trend of other Christian denominations in no wise except by increase of spirituality."

Why should the word "Science" when used in connection with religion seem to be unusual? Let the critic divest his thought of the notion that science is connected merely with observation and classification of material phenomena, and let him consider its original meaning, namely, "knowledge." Turning to the New Testament, we find the phrase "knowledge of salvation" (Luke 1:77) translated by Wycliffe "Science of Health," or "The Science and Health," which is an alternative rendering. Wycliffe's use of the word "science" in connection with the revelation of the Christ does not shock any sincere Christian. Why then should Science linked with Christianity cause uneasiness? Christian Science simply means the Science or demonstrable knowledge of Christianity.

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