CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 438, 2 December 1930, Page 6

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

Sir, —Your correspondent, AV. Tye, is deserving of the thanks of the community for his able letters combating the teachings of Christian Science which to say the least are ridiculous. Sir, the crying need of the hour is to think deep down to reality to the bare bones in the anatomy of thought. From the psychological standpoint, these mindhealers have no scientfic basis for their theories. AVhere are the Christian Science laboratories? What is the Christian Scientists’ standard book on pathology and physiology? If thoughts cause disease, where is the classification of thoughts and disease? AVhat particular idea causes cancer? Will the idea of lobster salad cause indigestion? If wc arc to have mysticism, at least let us have a mystical cosmos, so that we shall have some sign-posts by the wayIf matter is but an idea and an illusion where is the scientific table of illusions showing us how we may choose our favourite brand and get what wc order? AVhat Christian science book on mind and matter is recognised as authoritative by the colleges or by any eminent scientist? Are any diseases necessary? Arc some more obstinate than others?

AA’hen is it necessary to call in a surgeon? AVhen does the mind become strong enough to practice mind-healing? Can a baby heal itself; can a child; can a lunatic? If. as Christian Scientist claim a “healer” can heal a cow, can a cow heal a “healer”? Or, what brain tests are required of adepts? ff “thought is a substance,’’ explain that substance. How does a substance differ from a force, or a material “illusion”? Is music, a subcstanc? Should not the phenomena of the “real’’ world of spirit be at least as orderly as the phenomena of the

“unreal” world of matter? Every Christian Scientist believes that consumption, hip disease, cancer, etc-, can be cured by thought, and is, therefore, a “dangerous quack” who should be regulated by law and, if necessary imprisoned- Christian Science is not a protest against materialism, it is a protest against civilisation. It would overthrow every ladder by which our nation has climbed out of fourteenth century savagery. Mrs Eddy says: “Which was first, mind or medicine? If mind was first and self-existent, then mind, not matter must have been the first medicine. ”

As we poor little human bipods have no knowledge of “mind” which doos not work through matter and therefore, through something which may be medicinal, her brilliant syllogism is a waste of genius. Mysticism flourishes* only among uncritical and credulous people, it does not. invite criticism. Its prophets avoid discussions, and appeal only before audiences that are as passive and receptive as a row of rainbarrels. 20th. CENTURY