The Uniqueness of Christian Science

                                                         By John Robert Howell



        Christian Science is not an all-inclusive clubbable, to use Dr. Johnson's word, religion.  Whether one feels an impulse to rush to the defense of, toss brickbats at, or simply let Islam be, Christian Scientists shouldn't forget Paul's injunction:  "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing."

        As Christians and Christian Scientists we have a duty to love all mankind, but a foolish or naive camaraderie with those who have not a particle of love or respect for Christian Science is to create an inviting opening for the hagfish Antichrist.  Christian Science is not a choice melange of tidbits from other religions, nor is it just a poor relative among the family of faiths dwelling in the great monotheistic tent oaisied in the midst of the vast desert of human misery.

        As the Discoverer and Founder of this religion, Mary Baker Eddy, writes in Unity of Good: What is the cardinal point of the difference in my metaphysical system?  This: That by knowing the unreality of disease, sin, and death, you demonstrate the allness of God.  This difference wholly separates my system from all others.  The reality of these so-called existences I deny, because they are not to be found in God, and this system is built on Him as the sole cause.  It would be difficult to name any previous teacher, save Jesus and his apostles, who have thus taught."

        Unless firmly and constantly resisted, the steady pull of aggressive mental suggestion and animal magnetism can and will draw us to the event horizon of the black hole of the Antichrist, and without clear spiritual reference points to orient and guide us we can draft amiably toward it unawares.  To achieve the necessary spiritual and metaphysical escape velocity from the illusion of error and mortal mind requires pure, steadfast, and unadulterated commitment to Christ, Truth, not to an ecumenical, hail-fellow-well-met bonhomie with other religions, no matter how compatible with or friendly toward Christian Science they may seem.

        As Scientists clinging limpet-like to our heavenly Father, God, should we not, like Hardy's darling thrush express our heartfelt adoration and inspiration "Upon the glowing gloom" in joyful carolings of "Some blessed Hope, whereof [we know] and [mankind is] unaware?"  (The Darkling Thrush")