Christian Scientists cannot help being pleased at the free discussion of Christian Science which is finding a place in the English newspapers at the present time, a recent issue of the London Telegraph having no fewer than seven lengthy letters on this subject. Following the excellent letter of the Publication Committee, some of these were adverse and several of them grievously misstated the teaching of Christian Science, but they recall Paul's statement, that he rejoiced whenever Christ was preached, even though it were "of contention" and of "envy and strife" in some cases. Thus do we rejoice in having this healing truth brought to the notice of needy and suffering humanity, even though it may not at once displace the materialistic opinions which have so long held men back from the demonstrable truth taught by Christ Jesus and revealed anew to this age. Already it is being conceded on every hand that the Christian Church has no right to ignore or neglect the Master's unequivocal command to heal the sick as well as preach the gospel, and one by one the erstwhile objectors are themselves seeking the help which Christian Science so surely brings to otherwise hopeless sufferers.
The adverse criticisms of Christian Science which appeared in several of these letters showed an extremely superficial acquaintance with the subject, and a no less imperfect knowledge of the Bible itself. From the standpoint of such criticism St. Paul's theology might well be called in question, for nowhere does he teach that Christ Jesus is God, as one critic contends, but in 2 Corinthians, 4: 4, this apostle refers to Christ as "the image of God," and in Colossians, 1: 15, he speaks of him as "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." While a lengthy discussion of the relation between Christ Jesus and the Father would be of little value, especially as theologians all through the centuries have expressed such widely differing views upon the subject, no one can deny the vital importance of any teaching which makes Christlike men and women, and which enables present-day Christians to realize in a practical way the meaning of Paul's words, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." A concept of Christ which fails to do this carries with it its own condemnation and is ofttimes the despair of those who in all sincerity have striven to find in the traditions and "doctrines of men" the help which can only come from the true, the spiritual, idea of God and His Christ.
No one can deny that materia medica fails to heal the sick in many cases. That it fails in the majority of cases could easily be shown, and that it does not even attempt to purify the moral nature goes without saying. It should not be forgotten that few if any come to Christian Science for healing until driven to it by suffering for which no remedy could be found elsewhere, and there are many of these who in despair seek aid from ministers of the gospel, only to be told that the Christ-healing is not for this day, and that they should go back to materia medica. The awful inconsistency of such advice, the actual cruelty there is in shutting the door of hope—the last hope—in the face of one who seeks help in Christ's name, only those can tell who have experienced it. It should be remembered that most of those who come to Christian Science for healing come without faith in its possibility—and this because of the failure of material means. They also come with a waning faith in God's power to help them, since they have hitherto failed to find the way to this help, so far as present need is concerned. But in spite of this and much more, —in spite of opposition and ridicule rather than encouragement from friends,—very many soon find physical and mental healing in Christian Science, and with it, a new and wonderful sense of God's power and a demonstrable understanding of the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. In the face of this uplifting and enlightenment adverse criticism counts for nothing. God is near and the Bible dear as never before, and each day brings more light!
