Judging from Dr. —'s attack on Christian Science,...

H. Cornell Wilson

Brooklyn (N. Y.) Eagle

Judging from Dr. —'s attack on Christian Science, reported in a recent issue, it is quite evident that our friend is uneasy because of the growth of Christian Science in Brooklyn. In order, therefore, to allay any fear on his part, permit us to assure him that, as a rule, people turn to Christian Science for physical healing only after exhausting their faith in other methods. The Christian Science movement is made up largely of those whom materia medica could no longer help. Christian Scientists have learned from experience not to offer their assistance unless those whom they would help are ready to forsake reliance on aught but God. Surely our critic will not deny to such the right to turn to Christian Science, especially if he cannot help them.

Our critic's proposition to compel all who practise healing to take a medical examination, however, is absurd. As well appoint lawyers to pass upon the fitness of students to practise, medicine, as to appoint members of the medical profession to pass upon the fitness of Christian Scientists to practice their method of healing. Those who pass upon the fitness of others to practise, should themselves be masters of that system. Jesus of Nazareth healed the sick without medicine. It is not recorded that he failed in a single instance. If medicine had been the preferable method, Jesus certainly would have used it. If Jesus were here today, our critic would probably want a law passed compelling him to take a medical examination before he would be considered eligible to heal.

It is equally absurd for our critic to assert that Christian Scientists ignore sanitation and contagion. Christian Scientists are, perhaps, more careful than any other class of people to observe all reasonable sanitary and quarantine regulations. It has never been proved in a single instance that Christian Science has caused the spread of contagion. Medical critics should have less fancy and more fact. Mere hearsay testimony is worthless.

Christian Scientists do not claim to have any supernatural power. Jesus assured his followers that the works he did, and even greater works, would be done by those throughout all time who should understand his teachings. Christian Science is the discovery of the divine Principle underlying Jesus' teachings. That this claim is valid, is proved by the fact that through the study of the Bible, in connection with the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy, vast numbers have been healed and saved, many of whom have learned to heal and help others. The time is not far distant when the world will look with as much incredulity upon disbelief in Christian Science as we today look upon the persecution of Columbus for daring to declare that the world was round and of Galileo for daring to declare that the earth revolved.

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