We frankly admit that the Christian Science view of God...

Edwin C. Buck, Committee on Publication for the State of New Hampshire,—Derry

Times

We frankly admit that the Christian Science view of God and man is different from that held by other churches, as is also our interpretation of many portions of the Scriptures. For example, we believe that Jesus meant what he said when he stated: "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." "And these signs shall follow them that believe; ... they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

There are two creations recorded in Genesis. The first creation recorded is that of man made in the image and likeness of God; and inasmuch as the Scriptures declare that God is Spirit, this man must be spiritual. The second creation recorded is that of man made of dust, and not in the image and likeness of God. There can be little doubt that this second record is allegorical, for its parallel is to be found in the legends of many of the world's peoples without regard to religion. The relation which exists between God and man must be shown by the first creation, where man is made in God's image and likeness. This is the real man, which Mrs. Eddy distinguishes from the unreal material concept of man. And Mrs. Eddy's use of the word "real" in this connection has the support of all lexicographers in that "real" means that which has existence as opposed to that which is nonexistent, impermanent, and unrelated to the absolute.

That Mrs. Eddy's position in this regard is wholly tenable, and that he who builds on the theory that matter is substance builds on sand, is borne out by the testimony of physical scientists. Lord Balfour said that we "explain matter by explaining it away." Professor Fiske states, "Apart from consciousness there are no such things as color, form, position, or hardness, and there is no such thing as matter." Grant Allen writes, "The universe, as known to us, consists wholly of mind, and matter is a doubtful and uncertain inference of human intelligence." Numerous like statements could be cited.

Mortal man and the material universe are, then, even by the testimony of the physical scientists, fabrications of thought. It is not a far cry to the statement by Mrs. Eddy, to be found on page 508 of Science and Health, "The only intelligence or substance of a thought, a seed, or a flower is God, the creator of it." This is in full accord with the Scriptural declaration, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Man, then, is the image and likeness of his Maker, and the entire universe is a spiritual and perfect creation. Now we arrive at the question: What is the so-called material man and the material universe? Inasmuch as the testimony of physical scientists is in full accord with the assertions of Christian Scientists that matter has no substance of itself, is not permanent or absolute, it is not real. It can, therefore, be nothing but false belief.

What is the logical thing to do in the case of this material concept,—sick, sinful, mortal man, who seeks an avenue of escape from his torment? It is to reveal to him man's true status through the spiritual understanding of his at-one-ment with God. Then belief gives way to true knowledge, as darkness gives way to light. What becomes of the belief? What becomes of the darkness? One has no more real existence than the other. On pages 476 and 477 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says: "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick." Christian Science treatment is an unfoldment or revelation of Truth, which dispels ignorance.

The beautiful thing about Christian Science is that you do not have to take any one's "say-so" for the truth of it. You can demonstrate its truth in your own life without outside help. All instruction needful for such demonstration is contained in the Bible and the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy; and the latter can be borrowed, if desired, from most public libraries, or from any Christian Science Reading Room. One thing, however, is necessary: remember Lord Bacon's advice and "read not to contradict or refute, nor to believe and take for granted; not to find talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider."

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