Is Christian Science Christian? This question is raised by...

Henry Van Arsdale

Ontario (Cal.) Report

Is Christian Science Christian? This question is raised by a clergyman in a recent sermon. The conclusion he reached was that "Christian Science is not Christian." Of course every reader realizes that in saying this the clergyman voices merely his own opinion, which proves nothing. At the outset it may be granted that, just as the church which this clergyman represents differs in its doctrine from other so-called orthodox churches, so the teaching of Christian Science differs in many particulars from those of his church,—in its view of the Bible, its concept of God, and its assured knowledge that Christ Jesus came bringing a practical religion which redeems the sinner, heals the sick, does away with poverty, and brings to a man that which enables him to meet every adverse human circumstance.

The conclusion that Christian Science is not Christian cannot be drawn from a study of the Bible. Christian Science is correctly named; that is, it is exact knowledge gained by correct thinking, verified by proof, and formulated in a rational system derived from the religion of the Christ, or what is known as the Christian religion. Jesus laid down the rule when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Now of course the truth Jesus referred to was the absolute truth about God; such truth is exact, demonstrable, and scientific. The knowing of this truth, Jesus later said, is "life eternal." Christian Scientists are endeavoring to gain this knowledge, and they are enjoying the freedom their efforts bring. Jesus also laid down the standard by which one may claim to be a Christian : "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. . . . If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." In these particulars Christian Science offers, in place of mere opinion that it is not Christian, proof that it is Christian.

The conclusion arrived at by our critic cannot be derived from a study of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. The first tenet of the Christian Science church, to be found on page 497 of this book, reads as follows: "As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life." Jesus said, "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." As stated above, Christian Science in its appeal to the public relies upon its ability to make the promises of the Bible a present possibility, and if it is to do this successfully, it realizes that it must offer works rather than words.

Again quoting from the Christian Science text-book (p. 358): "Christian Science, understood, coincides with the Scriptures, and sustains logically and demonstratively every point it presents. Otherwise it would not be Science, and could not present its proofs. Christian Science is neither made up of contradictory aphorisms nor of the inventions of those who scoff at God. It presents the calm and clear verdict of Truth against error, uttered and illustrated by the prophets, by Jesus, by his apostles, as is recorded throughout the Scriptures. Why are the words of Jesus more frequently cited for our instruction than are his remarkable works?"

The conclusion drawn by our clerical critic cannot be derived from an observation of the lives of Christian Scientists, or from the works of healing which Christian Science is doing. He admits this, for he gives testimony as to the character and Christianity of Christian Scientists. He also admits the healing work, though grudgingly. In these admissions, however, he is not entitled to any particular credit, for such observations are made by every investigator into the subject.

It is sometimes charged against Christian Scientists that they do no missionary or charitable work. In fairness those making such charges should say that Christian Scientists do not do missionary and charitable work in the way they think it should be done. As a matter of fact, the Christian Science movement fulfils the demands of missions and charities in a way and to an extent not attempted or exceeded by any other organization of the day. This can be easily verified upon inquiry of any Christian Scientist. It is true that our good deeds do not often appear in print, but there are hundreds of thousands of individuals who are personally glad to testify of them.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit