It is sometimes said, and often by one who seems really desirous of learning more about Christian Science, that he cannot understand the textbook. "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. There are so many who have had some such experience and who are now enjoying in a large measure the blessings which Christian Science brings that it is not difficult to point out to the beginner that this is simply an argument of error, one of the first of the lions in the path that are to be faced and put to flight through the power of Truth. Thus it will be found that what seemed to be an obstacle resolves itself into an opportunity to glimpse at the very beginning the absolute law which governs every step of one's progress, a law as absolute as the law of mathematics and just as fully in accord with reason.
Very definite demands are made upon those who would gain an understanding of Christian Science, and in analyzing the situation it may be helpful to ascertain how these demands differ from what have been accepted in the past as requirements of a saving faith in religion. Stress has sometimes been laid on a condition of feeling, following generally an appeal to the emotions. More perhaps in the past, but often even in the present, so-called revivals have been held, at which the eloquence of the speaker, the sentiment of the songs, and the swing of the music combine to influence large audience to the profession of religion. If as the result of such meetings some are led to give up evil habits and to aspire to a better life, the result in that degree is surely commendable; but there are doubtless many present on such occasions who find it impossible to experience the state of mind that is pictured, even though they have a sincere desire to do so, and the thoughtful observer cannot well resist the conclusion that the situation is largely mesmeric in its nature; and he will probably find that in the ratio that he is earnest and thoughtful in his appraisal of it, in that very ratio he will fail to respond to its appeal. It is impossible to regard it as being the essence of religion, and it is noteworthy that in all the accounts of Jesus' ministry there is no evidence that he made any emotional state a prerequisite to becoming his disciple. It cannot be rightly claimed, then, that it is a prerequisite to becoming a Christian, and Christian Science makes no such demand on the inquirer.
Another requirement that is sometimes set forth in the name of Christianity is the demand for the acceptance of a ritual. Here the appeal is directed to a desire for peace, and the satisfaction of this desire is promised through a form of outward worship. This ritual is often very elaborate, enveloping itself in the pomp of rich display, and associating with itself the treasures of music and of art. A ritual, however, can never establish itself either as fundamental to religion or as universal in its appeal; and if it is not the latter it can never be the former. There are many whom it not only fails to satisfy but to whom it is utterly repugnant, and in its final analysis it is merely an appeal to the senses, sublimated and refined perhaps, but an appeal to the senses still. It should be clear that the surrender to an appeal to the senses must obscure rather than reveal spiritual truth, and cannot be an essential of Christian faith. There is no evidence that Jesus made the acceptance of any ritual a prerequisite to becoming his disciple, and Christian Science makes no such demand on the inquirer.
