There are "several reasons" why Christian Science is...

John L. Rendall

Odebolt (Ia.) Chronicle

There are "several reasons" why Christian Science is making rapid progress. Our clerical critic does not by any means state them all. Its name indicates its practical teachings, for it is the exact Science of Christianity, presenting in a positive and demonstrable way the scientific relationship between God, man, and the universe; and a scientific and Christian teaching by means of which all human discords may be overcome, and wherein man may understand his true and right relationship to God. In fact, Christian Science is exact, positive, demonstrable Christianity, including both the healing of the sick and the saving of the sinner, in conformity to the religion established by Jesus Christ. Christian Science does not, in any degree, depend upon "human will-power" for its efficacy, but rests entirely and absolutely upon the power of God. The psalmist said (Psalms cvii. 20): "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions," and it is the "word of God" that heals in Christian Science.

The growth of Christian Science is because of its intensely practical teachings; it is because of accomplished results in the healing of the sick and the reformation of the sinner; it is because its teachings are an exposition of the vital, fundamental truths of Christianity, and it is because people are finding in Christian Science that satisfaction, that hope, joy, and peace which they have not found anywhere else. This is the day and age of practical things, outworn and outgrown theories are being relegated to obscurity, where they properly belong. A vital teaching of the Christ-truth, such as Christian Science is, necessarily grows and makes progress, because it is irresistible and because it is meeting the human need for something higher, better, and more satisfactory than other teachings presented.

It is not a logical conclusion that "Christian Science appeals to the selfishness of man in the healing of disease." We read that our great Exemplar, Jesus Christ, gave to the inquiring disciples of John the fact of his healing work as proof of his Messiahship. He said: "Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed," etc.

The erroneous statement that "Christian Scientists mix much error with the truth they started with," does not prove anything. As a matter of fact, truth and error do not mix; whatever is true is eternally true, and error never was anything. The basic truth of Christian Science is, God is Spirit, and God is Mind. God created all, therefore it follows that the real creation is spiritual, not material. St. John wrote: "All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." And in Genesis i. 31, we read: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Every teaching of Christian Science is a logical deduction from its fundamental basis.

If "the pulpit has been negligent of matters pertaining to physical troubles of people," does not this constitute a valid reason for Christian Science, which includes the complete gospel, healing the sick and reforming the sinner. The statement that "Mrs. Eddy has taken Christ away and that he could not be found in their [Christian Science] teachings," can only be believed by those who have not read the writings of Mrs. Eddy and the Christian Science publications. From beginning to end Science and Health points to Christ as the Saviour. The following, from the Christian Science tenets, should be conclusive: "We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness" (Science and Health, p. 497).

It would be difficult indeed to find a Christian Scientist who would be willing to change his certain sense of God's protecting care for the vague uncertainties of his former experiences.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit