Christian Science as seen by an Englishwoman

Alice Martineau

The Onlooker

The first fact which startles the British insular intelligence respecting Christian Science in America, is the general tolerance that obtains towards it here. Nay, more than tolerance for it is respected—even where not understood or believed in—and has gradually in the last few years won its way, greatly through the high moral standing of its supporters, to a place in the front rank of religions.

The services are most impressive, from the reverence and earnestness of the congregation, in which there seems to be an equal proportion of men and women. The interval of “silent prayer” and the general sense of peace is one which must be experienced to be believed. This applies to all the churches. You may go into any one of them, having “got out of bed on the wrong side,” cross, worried, anything you like, and the sense of discomfort just drops off and leaves you feeling “real good,” as they say here.

The healing which results from the application of the fundamental truth of existence is an accepted fact in America, where many doctors will send their own incurable cases to a Christian Science practitioner. One instance of those that came under my notice was that of a man cured of Bright’s disease in its last and most painful stages, some few years ago, and now he is in the best of health and working sometimes eighteen hours a day. These cases of physical healing. remarkable though they are, are exceeded in interest by the cases of well-known and prominent citizens who have admitted themselves healed of sin in its various forms—drunkenness being especially noticeable. Their gratitude strikes one very forcibly, and they do no not spare themselves in their endeavors to help some other unfortunate, if admitting their past sins will effect this. Individual effort, self-sacrifice, the constant practice of Christ’s teaching—all these go to make up a Christian Scientist.

Christian Scientists, from the simplest to the most intellectual, hold on to the ever-present God that Abraham knew; and we know that if we never let go of this fact of HIs ever-presence we shall realize the kingdom of God is within us (within consciousness), and that this realization brings health and peace and joy in its train.

The papers and magazines here are far more open-minded that some of our English periodicals, and will almost invariably print “both sides of the question” when Christian Science is attacked; and as it has been found out that books containing sneering allusion to this religion do not sell, and are not asked for, self-interest, if nothing else, keeps the publishers busy with their scissors when they come across such statements.

ALICE MARTINEAU
The Onlooker (London, England.)

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