The Divinity of Christian Science

George H. Peeke

We make the following extracts from an article on the above subject by Rev. George H. Peeke of Sandusky, O., who was formerly a minister of the Congregational Church. The article was published in a recent issue of the Sandusky Register.

After nineteen hundred years of Christian teaching in the world, suddenly there has arisen a sect which is attracting peculiarly the educated mind of our civilization. In other words, Christian Science seems to appeal peculiarly to the thoughtful and cultured, with all its alleged illogical and unscientific methods. Christian Science is erecting many churches among the most refined people of our land. There are few, if any, congregations among the sects to be compared with the adherents of Christian Science, for general intelligence, good conduct, and thrift. Christian Science has built large churches in Chicago, Boston, and several large cities without debt and with a harmony and business tact and conduct which is unfortunately the very opposite of that generally witnessed among Christian sects.

In saying this I am merely relating well known facts. Christian Science, whether scientific and Christian or nor, has something in it so evidently vital that it is growing and growing among those whom the church is always anxious to have and to hold with a firm grip.

Being good and doing good is Christian. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" cannot be submitted to a scientific test. And "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," is fundamental to all religion. In his judgment scene Jesus makes the final decision turn upon the words, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me." To see a want, a vital need in poor suffering human nature and to heal and help it is vital, final, divine, and just here lies the kernel of the whole subject.

Christian Science does something to meet the sickness of the world and it works by mutual help. Every member helps and works. What does any sect do to surpass it? It is worse than useless to say they do not heal, for they do. They heal multitudes. What they do has been a wonder to me and to many.

"What would Jesus have us do ?" Jesus did personal work and won souls, and Christian Science has a wonderful zeal in seeking and helping personally and wins on the Master's lines. Christian Science has come to stay, because it has the spirit of Christ in large measure. And what can be more Christian or more divine? Ponder it well, that the rapid growth of Christian Science among the intelligent classes is remarkable.

It is certain we shall not be able to stay the progress of this new sect. It has come to stay. Its fruits are blessed. And "by their fruits ye shall know them." It is comforting its thousands. It will turn the mourning of many to joy and delight in living, and this is most God-like and truly divine. It is doing the work the Christian church has too long neglected. It is religion applied. A working gospel. A welcome message to a long suffering world. The angels sing their hallelujahs over it. It is of God and ye cannot overthrow it.

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