When a man who has been an active worker in some other church resigns his membership and becomes connected with a Christian Science church, it is sometimes his lot to have to explain why he has done so, and at other times to listen to criticism of the faith he has espoused. On one occasion the writer, having been told that Science was wrong, declined to argue the matter, but was by no means surprised to hear the declaration from the critic, "I cannot argue, because I know nothing about it." Careful consideration of Christian Science reveals the fact that much so-called criticism of it is but an expression of ignorance and prejudice.
What constitutes criticism, and how must the task be approached? It is apparent that a spirit of sympathy is essential to all worth-while comment, since no character can be understood and no teaching appreciated at its real worth unless a true motive be the impelling factor. Carlyle says, "It is a much shallower occupation to detect faults than to discover beauties." Before one is qualified to discourse on the defects the good qualities must be clearly discerned; the aim of the writer must be understood, and it must be seen how the task appeared to him and how he fulfilled that task. Having ascertained the aim, the next question to settle is whether this is in accordance with truth, not whether it displeases the reader or runs counter to his prejudices and tendencies; and having perceived the last and highest beauty of the subject as a whole, then one is qualified to commence the search for faults. Criticism which comes of a superficial scratching has no value, and often does great harm; helpful criticism comes of understanding and is gained by delving far below the surface.
It is sometimes alleged that Mrs. Eddy, the author of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," was ignorant and therefore was incapable of correctly propounding a clear statement of religion or philosophy. This is however an entirely incorrect supposition, although ignorance is a relative term, for we are all ignorant and yet none are wholly ignorant. While a student who is desirous of increasing his knowledge of wireless telegraphy would delight in listening to the instruction of a Marconi, it will be granted that another who wishes to supplement his knowledge of music would prefer the guidance of some other master. As the world counts knowledge, Jesus was ignorant, far was he not called "the carpenter's son," while his disciples were but untutored working men? Nevertheless they were not unfit for their great work. Before Saul became Paul he' had to be obedient "unto the heavenly vision," and though he was a man of learning, this was the essential portion of the education which fitted him for his post as an apostle of Jesus the Christ.
