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.

Christ Jesus did not perform his great works of healing and regeneration by means of blind faith or hypnotism. There was a Science underlying his healing work, a demonstrable knowledge of Christ, Truth, and it is this demonstrable knowledge as found in Christian Science that makes this religion vital and practical.

Christian Scientists endeavor to follow the Way-shower. They no longer worship "the unknown God," but know Him in whom they believe, and are thus able in larger measure to prove their faith by "signs following."

The clergyman chides me for designating sickness and sin as lies and deceptions, but in doing so I do not speak on my own authority, but on the highest authority obtainable, the words of Christ Jesus himself. He classified evil as a lie and a deception, and showed how it could be overcome and destroyed by the Christ. One is reminded of John's declaration in Revelation, "And there shall be...neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (note the word "are" is in the present tense), and St. Paul's statement, "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

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