Editorial July 10, 1995 Issue

Publish Christian Science? Why?

Barbara M. Vining

Joseph Mann was rapidly bleeding to death from an accidental gunshot wound in his chest. His family's physician and three other M.D.'s whom he had called in on the case told the family they could do nothing to save the young man. But then someone unknown to the family came to them, told them of a method of healing that could save Joseph, and asked for permission to treat him. This treatment—Christian Science treatment—did heal their son.

A detailed account of this incident, including Joseph Mann's affidavit, can be found in the book We Knew Mary Baker Eddy (pp. 167-170). Joseph's affidavit reads, in part: "The family had never heard of this (to them) new method of healing and refused to admit the Scientist; for, as they said, they wanted no one to experiment on the dying whom the doctors had given up as hopeless.

"They were assured, however, that the patient should not be touched or given medicine; and that 'man's extremity has been (is) God's opportunity.' Within about fifteen minutes after Christian Science had been admitted into our house I began suddenly to grow warm again under its treatment. My breath was again revived and normal. I became conscious, opened my eyes and knew I should not die, but would live. That same evening I sat up in bed and ate a little steak and toast. The excruciating pain I had felt during intervals of consciousness while dying, was all gone and I was steadily and rapidly growing strong and well. ...

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