Physicians and Christian healing

with contributions from William C. Morgan, Robert L. McCollom, Melvin A. Drake

Efforts in the United States over the past seven years to prosecute those who rely on spiritual means for healing have brought forth response from a somewhat unexpected quarter. A number of physicians have spoken out in support of Christian Scientists, deploring their prosecution and supporting their right to practice their religious beliefs. Some physicians have expressed this support privately; others have spoken publicly—for instance, in letters to the press.

The Sentinel has interviewed a few such physicians. Each very generously consented to our reprinting excerpts from these interviews. Perhaps it goes without saying that none of these doctors subscribes to the essential theology of Christian Science or to its wholly spiritual approach to healing. This fact makes their call for greater tolerance all the more remarkable.

Dr. William C. Morgan is a pediatrician in Sarasota, Florida. He speaks from the perspective of his active medical practice.

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