Article June 17, 1950 Issue

LETTERS TO THE PRESS from Christian Science Committees on Publication

[Translated from Swedish]

Aftonbladet

Stockholm, Sweden Aftonbladet

Under the heading "Film Hypnosis Amazes Psychiatrists of Stockholm" a statement appears alleging that Christian Scientists make use of suggestion to allay pain. This statement is in direct opposition to the teachings of Christian Science and is based on misunderstanding.

Christian Science, which acknowledges no other Mind than God, declares that any attempt to influence through suggestion is erroneous, that is, harmful. Therefore it teaches one how to protect himself from this influence through right thinking. This question is considered of such importance that in the Manual of The Mother Church, containing the rules of the Church and written by Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Scientists are instructed to defend themselves daily against aggressive mental suggestion.

On page 453 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy writes, "A Christian Scientist's medicine is Mind, the divine Truth that makes man free." And farther on, "He does not trespass on the rights of mind nor can he practise animal magnetism or hypnotism." She also says (ibid., pp. 181, 182), "Any hypnotic power you may exercise will diminish your ability to become a Scientist, and vice versa."