The student of the writings of Mrs. Eddy is sometimes startled to find how frequently she uses the combined expression, "sin, disease, and death." And she has made the question, "Are Sin, Disease, and Death Real?" the subject of a Lesson-sermon in the Quarterly twice a year. The study of this lesson gives all followers of Christian Science an opportunity to ponder this very important subject.
According to general opinion sin and disease are two distinct conditions. The scribes accused Christ Jesus of blasphemy when he healed the palsied man by telling him that his sins were forgiven him (see Matt. 9:2-7), and the Christian world has often wondered about the man thirty-eight years lame, whom the Master healed and later warned (John 5:14), "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."
In human experience the treatment of the two conditions is usually contrary. The sinner may be treated with criticism or condemnation, often with ostracism or punishment. On the other hand, to the sick are extended kindness, sympathy, indulgence, forbearance, and even self-sacrificing devotion. Death appears to be more frequently the result of disease than of sin and is a state feared yet glamorized by much fictitious sentiment.
