MANY a time, when Christian Science has been presented to those in need of it, the questions have been asked: Have not all Christian denominations a common origin in the Christianity which Christ Jesus taught and demonstrated? And, How does the teaching of Christian Science differ from that of other systems of religion? The questions are very natural; and every one has the right to ask them. Certainly the Christian Scientist would have no one remain in the dark with regard to the religion which he has found to be so eminently practical in all the affairs of his life.
While it may be conceded that all Christian denominations have their origin in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it has to be admitted that, speaking generally, many of these denominations have differed widely in their interpretation of these teachings. So much so, indeed, that as the history of the Christian religion shows, almost since its inception it has been characterized by differences of opinion on points of doctrine, repeatedly ultimating in the formation of new sects. It is needless to emphasize the fact that each new sect as it originated has been convinced of the Rightness of its position, and that the body from which it separated itself remained equally assured of the Rightness of its interpretation of New Testament Scripture.
It is not the intention now to enter into an analysis of the differences existing between Christian bodies or of the points upon which they are agreed. Rather would we rejoice with whosoever has an understanding of any phase of Truth; for in so far as any one knows anything of the truth, he is by that much the freer from false belief or erroneous thinking about reality. What is of importance is that an attempt should be made to answer in some degree the second question stated above: How does the teaching of Christian Science differ from that of other systems of religion?
