Reply to a Critic PETER B. BIGGINS            A recent article in the Herald referred to divine healing, and in the course of the article the writer spoke of Christian Science in a manner which calls for correction. The writer tried to prove that healing by medical means is divine healing. In so doing he attempted to prove what conscientious medical men themselves would hesitate to claim. It is not difficult to note the sharp contrast which the Scriptures point out between a material method of healing and the divine method. For instance, we read of King Asa of old, of whom it is written: "In his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians. And Asa slept with his fathers."          The writer of the article deplores the fact that, to use his own words, "many are convinced that this method [Christian Science] will cure everything." Is it unreasonable to think that God, Spirit, who has created man in His own likeness, should be capable of maintaining him in harmony, and able to free mortals from every ill? Christian Scientists gratefully acknowledge God's supremacy; and they are proving the healing efficacy of God's law.          The writer of the article admits, in fact he emphatically affirms, that Christian Science "can certainly cure troubles brought on by brooding and nerves and hysteria." Christian Scientists agree with the fact contained in this statement, although they would not express it in just that way. But the efficacy of Christian Science reaches much farther, as many gladly attest who, through Christian Science, have been healed of organic diseases which were considered hopeless from the standpoint of the medical doctor. Christian Science goes farther still, for it destroys sin and wrong thinking. The destruction of sin is, in fact, the chief purpose of Christian Science.          It is interesting to find that the very case the writer cites, namely, Jesus' healing of the nobleman's son, very effectually answers his own criticism of Christian Science healing. He says of the nobleman, "The only mistake which he made was to set any limit to the healing power of Jesus." Then why set a limit to the healing power of Christ, Truth, today? It is quite clear that Jesus did not admit that there was — again to use the words of this writer — an "unknown borderland between cases that are curable by mental treatment, and those that are not." Jesus understood perfectly, what Christian Scientists are learning, that God's omnipotent law of harmony is capable of dispelling discord of every sort. Christian Science has restored the "pearl of great price," which seemed to be so long lost, namely, the spiritual method of healing employed by Jesus. Religious teachers will gain a clearer understanding of divine healing and a fuller ability to practice it when they recognize and acknowledge what Christian Science really is.   Peter B. Biggins, Committee on Publication for Alberta, Canada, in the Herald, Calgary Quoted in the Christian Science Sentinel, December 13, 1924

| Home | Library |

Copyright © 1996-2008 CSEC