The mistaken idea people entertain as to what Christian Science is, can only be accounted for in one way—a prejudice, which amounts to ignorance. Willing to pass judgment, yet unable to overcome a narrow-minded prejudice enough to study into the Science. Surely such judgment should not be accepted by those who lay claim to education.
I have never met a person who has denounced any part of Christian Science, after a sincere investigation and study. I have met numerous denouncers, but they have all been among those who have but a slight idea what this thing they judge is. Some who have accepted other's judgment; some have formed an opinion from newspaper remarks, which are almost without exception mixtures of contradiction, ignorance and prejudice. That an enlightened class of people will allow their principles of liberality, which education is supposed to promote, to be so narrowed, is surprising.
Christian Science is too powerful, however, to be affected seriously by their acrimony, because it is founded on the word of God. But, even if a person does not accept the theory, surely Christianity should teach respect for another's honest convictions. I have heard some professed Christians sneer and make light of this grand truth, and I have always asked myself, "Is this the religion of Christ?" Do they realize they are scoffing at the word of him whom they profess to follow? They can scarcely realize that; but when God's healing is called far-fetched, and placed behind man's, is not the Christianity and religion lacking at least in charitableness, and most surely in reverence?
