The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1904-10-27
Do Christian Scientists Ignore
the Material Univere?
tChrIstian soienoe sentlnsl.l

(Christian Science Senunels)
Scarcely criticism appears on the
subject of Christian Science which does
not include an allegation to the effect
that Christian Science teaches that all
creation is an Illusion, and that man has
no body
This erroneous belief regarding the
premise OF Christian Science leads TO
ridiculous conclusions. This Science
does not teach the unreality OF any per-
ceptible thing, but raises the question as
TO what 1t really Is. II Is not the phe-
nomena of nature which are denied by
Christian Science, but the humaniZed,
material sense o them. Christian Sci
eDce interprets the nature and consis-
tency OF creation from spiritual view
point and teaches one to know 1t as God
made It, and as 1t appears to Him. No
one can deny that the human mind falls
short of n true conception OF things In
proportion as 1t lacks development and
perfection.
Some have said, "Do you mean TO tell
me that the body, with all It's wonderful
organism, and the beauties of nature are
unrealP" We answer, "If one could see
them as they rea ly are they would APP
pear as much more wonderful and beautl-
full than they now seem as infinitude is
greater than our present degree OF COM
prehension. Ii in our present blinded
material condition, we are able TO recog-
Uize to degree the wonders Of God aud
His manifestation, what must we behold
10 them when the veil Of ignorance, su-
perstition, mystification, false sense has
all disappeared and we are able TO per-
ceive with the clear and perfect spiritual
vision characteristic of the Image aud
likeness of God?
AS a matter of fact, a Christian Sci
enlist, having come insight into the spir-
ituality of Gods creation, beholds In
nature a new beauty and satisfaction.
AS one grows spiritually, the things on
earth will not disappear, but Will become
more vivid even as an object bebeld
through a veil presents fairer and strong
er outlines when the covering js lifted,
The pershsble, imperfect things which
we now view will be discerned 10 all
their spirituality, beauty, and perfection
as our erroneous, human concepts dis
appear. Nature will be seen bearing the
imprint of the divine Mind, the Supreme
Beng. Paul seems to have had this idea
when he said, "For II that which was
uUnt away was kiOTioue, DuSh lhotO hh"b
which remaineth Is glorious"
Following the erroneous belief that
Christian Scientists ignore the universe,
comes the accusation that they ignore
sin and disease, the natural accompsni-
ments of the human concept OF creation.
Such a charge, however, is not based
upon Christian Sciende, but upon the
belief of the critic, that the universe is
material. The Christian Scientist recog-
nizes that materiality, sin, and disease
must be overcome by spiritual growth.
He is we'll aware that one cannot walk
away from these, cannot dispose OF them
by simply denying their existence save
when this denial includes refusal TO
think or act them. They are mental
conditions, temptations of the human
mind which must be battled down and
overcome by the activity of Truth hence
the practice and endeavor OF the Chris
tian Scientists to rid himself Of these by
graphing with them and eliminating
them from his own life.
Again, on the basis Of Christian Sci
ence, one would not remain In filth, be-
cause he knows that the law OK Spirit Is
more conducive to health than sanitary
measures. One who is elevated in mind
could not be conteDted with anything
less than cleanliness o; body. II the en-
tire population of the world were thor
oughly imbued with the exalted teach
ing Of Christian Science, condition Of
cleanliness would prevail far superior to
anything which the earth has ever
known and our friends who, together
with Christian Scientists, are extremely
interested 10 sanitary improvements,
will do we'll to inspire mankind with the
pure teaching OF this Science. A Chris
tan Scientist does not need to be urged
to keep clean he cannot retain his ex-
allied consciousness OF the spiritual real
ity without practising accordingly and
therefore departing from all evil and un-
cleanliness moreover, a clean condition
is nearer the spiritual than filthy state
and is therefore more Ia accord with true
Christian Science practice.
Critics should patiently wait until they
are able to perceive that which Christian
Science gives In place of that which 1t
repudiates. Then they would be pleas
ed and satisfied, rather than provoked
by Its teaching. This Science gives back
to US the very thing which 1t takes away
but presents 1t In more glorifi d form.
ALFRED FARLow.