Dear Students of the English Bible Lessons,
We’ve heard from many of you over the last few years about the use of translations other than the King James Version of the Bible in the Golden Text and Responsive Reading of the Christian Science Bible Lessons. Some of you feel that it is harmful to the depth and purity of the Lessons and against Mary Baker Eddy’s intention. Others of you feel the inspiration and contemporary directness you find in these texts are in keeping with Mrs. Eddy’s occasional use of alternate translations and are essential to keeping “abreast of the times” (Mary Baker Eddy, Church Manual, p. 44).
The fact that these viewpoints seem opposite and even irreconcilable might well alert all of us to a prophecy of Mrs. Eddy’s: “There will be greater mental opposition to the spiritual, scientific meaning of the Scriptures than there has ever been since the Christian era began” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 534).
Dear Christian Scientists, Is the disagreement over the use of different Bible translations really about that? Or is it a new-old attempt to oppose the strength of unity we have in Christ, as when early Christians didn’t see eye to eye over points in the law? Is it the anti-Christ distracting us from the one needful thing of living and demonstrating the truths our Pastor proclaims in the Lessons?
In the epistle to the Ephesians we read, “For [Christ] is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (2:14). We hope this open letter, while not addressing every point made by each “side,” can help break down the partition by clarifying the motives of using other translations.
First, let us state what are not the motives people sometimes imagine. There is not the slightest belief on our part that the use of modern translations is a way to attract more people to our church. The power that always has and will draw people to Christian Science is its practical demonstration of God’s goodness—i.e., the healing of sin and sickness. Nor is there any sense that truth needs to be watered down, or artificially “with it,” in order to reach today’s seeker. On the contrary, the pure and heartfelt expression of truth in any language speaks directly and effectively to the hungry heart.
The motives for using other translations are to choose texts that most clearly express the inspired meaning of the Scriptures for the subject and content of the Lesson-Sermon that week, and to choose language for the interactive portion of church services that is more readily understood by and inclusive of all those attending, especially newcomers and visitors.
The question of whether the King James Version of the Bible should be the only one used for the English Lessons is one which the Bible Lesson Committee and both the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees have prayed over for years. Looking to Mrs. Eddy’s published writings, as well as all other communications from her about the Lessons, we find her guidance summed up by the first tenet—to “take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life” (Science and Health, p. 497); and similarly, “The one important interpretation of Scripture is the spiritual” (Science and Health, p. 320).
We deeply appreciate that Mrs. Eddy lived and breathed the King James Version throughout her life and that its language permeates Science and Health. It’s also true that she did not leave any instructions that the King James Version should be exclusively used in the Lessons, and that she appreciated and cited other translations in her writings when they brought out a more inspired meaning.
It seems inevitable and good that because the leaven of divine Science is constantly spiritualizing human consciousness, some Bible translations include passages that have especially improved in the last century. A couple of examples of verses we feel would have caused Mrs. Eddy much rejoicing include the New King James translation she indicates is proper in The Lord’s Prayer, “Deliver us from the evil one.” Many newer translations also give the scientific sense of John 4:24, “God is Spirit” instead of “God is a Spirit.” It is also true of course that some translations may include too much of the translator’s own agenda and opinions.
The Christian Science practitioners and teachers who serve on the Lesson Committee consider their work sacred and give many hours to research and to seeking God’s guidance. Both Boards see the importance of defending this work through great watchfulness. And, frankly, we need the prayer of all Christian Scientists to demonstrate that there is one unerring Mind guiding these Lessons and our Cause. Indeed, the publishing, and especially the living of these Lesson-Sermons, is the demonstration of the whole Church, in fulfillment of the “Daily Prayer” (see Manual, p. 41).
Most recently, concern arose over the use of a translation that capitalizes pronouns for Jesus. A Golden Text in an upcoming Lesson that has already been printed will again include one of these. While these translations were chosen for other reasons meant to support the Lesson’s message, the constructive criticism we received has caused us to review even more carefully as we discern whether a text is sufficiently better than other translations to warrant its use.
Mrs. Eddy once said that it was her life-long task to experiment. Sometimes she tried something, reconsidered, and then stepped back. Sometimes she pressed ahead even though many of her followers thought particular decisions she made were wrong. It is humbling to each of us to consider her words: “There are diversities of operation by the same spirit. Two individuals, with all the goodness of generous natures, advise me. One says, Go this way; the other says, Take the opposite direction! Between the two I stand still; or, accepting the premonition of one of them, I follow his counsel, take a few steps, then halt. A true sense not unfamiliar has been awakened. I see the way now. The guardians of His presence go before me. I enter the path. It may be smooth, or it may be rugged; but it is always straight and narrow; and if it be uphill all the way, the ascent is easy and the summit can be gained.
“God is responsible for the mission of those whom He has anointed. Those who know no will but His take His hand, and from the night He leads to light. None can say unto Him, What doest Thou?” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 347).
It’s a great comfort to know that every practicing Christian Scientist is anointed to fulfill the mission of Christ-healing, and that we are united in love for our Cause. Friends, we earnestly request that all branch churches read the Lesson-Sermons as they are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly. Even when there is disagreement among members, we believe our Church will progress by humbly supporting the demonstration of those Mrs. Eddy entrusted with the publishing of the Lesson-Sermons. And we know at our core that we can demonstrate the unity that is in Christ—and keep loving and respecting each other as we work to do it.
In warm fellowship,
Christian Science Board of Directors
Board of Trustees, The Christian Science Publishing Society
