Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 9
NEED_DATE
NUMBER 2, PAGE 13

Christian Science Mind Or Myth

H. Osby Weaver, Brady, Texas

Frequently we have occasion to notice the doctrines and policies of different religious groups and find that each has its own distinct peculiarities without which it would not exist as a separate entity. It is at least trite, if not moronic, to say that the reason there are 300 different religious groups in this country is because they differ. Strangely enough the majority of the differences among them is not the result of different interpretations placed upon the scriptures, but the assumption of liberties to teach and practice those things unheard of in the Bible and for which there is no divine authority. As we are introduced to the sundry religions of our day, we cannot but notice their divers schemes, peculiar devices, and strange inventions which are promulgated by founders and proselytes alike. When these were contrasted with the simplicity of the religion of Christ, we never cease to be amazed. Despite the digression and apostasy which is evident in the religious world on every hand, there occasionally arises one with a doctrine to challenge our attention that seems to surpass all the others in absurdities and ultra stupidities. I have specific reference to ecclesiastical myth called by its adherents, "Christian Science."

Upon his return to England from a visit to the United States, the late Bishop J. Taylor Smith, of the Church of England, was asked his impression of this country. He said, "Very wonderful and very curious." When asked to enlarge upon this, he said, "Wonderful? Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, and the whole people. Curious? Grape-nuts and Christian Science. They have a breakfast food which they call grape-nuts and it has in it neither grapes nor nuts. They have a religion which they call Christian Science and it has in it neither Christianity nor science." We claim no knowledge of breakfast cereal, but we are prepared to show that the Bishop had the correct estimate of Christian Science by pointing out that Christian Science denies every tenet or fundamental doctrine of Christianity.

In the BRADY HERALD of October 30, 1956 a report was given of a Christian Science Lecture which had been presented at the Brady Country Club, Sunday, October 21 in which report the following statement was made: "He (Christ) recognized that the world was not yet ready for all he had to give, and he promised that the Comforter or final revelation of Truth would be sent by the Father and would lead humanity into all Truth. This revelation has come in our time; it is called Christian Science. It has been revealed through a woman, Mary Baker Eddy, and through her text book, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' wherein is found the Science of the Christ." Obviously this report was written, not by a Herald reporter as such, but by one familiar with the doctrine and phraseology of Christian Science, one of their own number; hence is a correct representation of their views. You will notice in their writings just enough truth to make them subtle deceivers, though many of them are, no doubt, honest in it. Christ did say to the Apostles in John 16:12, 13 that "I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot hear them now. Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth, is come; he will guide you into all truth..." Christian Scientists would like for us to believe that this Comforter, the Spirit of truth, whom Christ would send, is Mary Baker Eddy and her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Jesus revealed whom this Comforter, the Spirit of truth was in John 14:26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." Jesus had taught the apostles for about three years and knew they would not remember all that he had said unto them. He had some additional things to reveal unto them when the proper time came, so he promised them the Holy Spirit as a Comforter which would not only bring to their remembrance what he had already said, but would show them things to come. The Spirit was to bring this revelation to the Apostles in their day, not to us in our time. We have the same revelation but only through the writings of the Apostles.

Christian Science says this promised Comforter was a woman. Jesus referred to the Comforter as "He" — John 16:13. Christian Science says this Comforter has come in "our time." Jesus said he was to come to the Apostles. Christian Science says this Comforter is Mary Baker Eddy. The Bible says the promised Comforter is the Holy Spirit — John 14:26. Christian Science says this new revelation is in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The Bible says the writings of the Apostles are the commandments of the Lord, and if any man preach anything else let him be accursed — I Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:6-8. Christian Science says you need Mary Baker Eddy's "Key to the Scriptures" before you can understand God's will. The Bible says "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" — II Tim. 3:16, 17. It is not only profitable now, it has been through the centuries, even when II Tim. 3:16, 17 was written. How could it be profitable if men could not understand it? If it cannot be understood without Mary's "Key" what about those who lived and died centuries before she was ever born? If they did not need her "Key", then neither do we. Christian Science would dethrone the Holy Spirit and crown the usurper Mary Baker Eddy. They would make Christ out a liar in order to deceive the people by way of preparing them to receive false doctrine called "Christian Science." They would deny the work of the Holy Spirit in revelation, and trample the writings of the inspired apostles under their feet while glorifying the prattle of a greedy woman which is contained in a book called, "Christian Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," yet they call themselves "Christians." It is degrading to the name of which they are unworthy to wear.