Chapter 4 of Robert Peel's Spiritual Healing in a Scientific Age, "Faith and Works in a Pluralist Society", opens with a quote from James 2:18 - "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works" (p. 32). But Peel points to the following passage by Christian Science Founder, Mary Baker Eddy:
"Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science. It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness. The emphatic purpose of Christian Science is the healing of sin; and this task, sometimes, may be harder than the cure of disease; because, while mortals love to sin, they do not love to be sick" (Rudimental Divine Science 2: 22-2) (Quoted on p. 35.)
The very thorough Robert Peel then introduces his readers to a comment made in 1894 by physician, psychologist and philosopher William James: "I assuredly hold no brief for any of these healers, and must confess that my intellect has been unable to assimilate their theories, so far as I have heard them given. But their facts are patent and startling; and anything that interferes with the multiplication of such facts, and with our freest opportunity of observing and studying them, will, I believe, be a pubic calamity" (p. 43).
What follow are many pages relating to children. In this regard, of particular interest is a letter from a medical practitioner who was employed by a number of Christian Science parents in the delivery of their babies. The law in most countries requires the employment of a physician or licensed midwife in all cases of childbirth.
The medical practitioner wrote: "It has been my fortunate experience to work with a number of Christian Science practitioners during the birth process, all of whom have accepted my efforts with flexible understanding and love, while still maintaining their faith and devotion to God's law. ... In the beginning I must admit there was apprehension by me as well as the hospital staff in regard to our Christian Science patients. This fear centred on imagined interference with our duties, a denial of our problems and possible legal entanglement. Our experience has been entirely contrary to these fears. Our Christian Science patients have at all times given careful consideration to our problems. In certain instances they have courteously declined, or legally waived, many examinations considered routine; thus they have taken upon themselves the responsibilities for these omissions. Their expression of gratitude toward the staff has gained the staff's understanding and devotion.
"When medical action appeared necessary it was preceded by a calm and considerate discussion of the situation with both the patient and the practitioner. It was my constant observation that the practitioner urged the patient to exercise free choice and was then supportive of that choice. A sensitivity was maintained that each Christian Scientist demonstrates what he can to the best of his understanding....
"Frequently an interval of time was requested in which to work out the problem through Christian Science. Most frequently the situation then became resolved." The letter continues with the recounting, in the physician's own words, of "an irrefutable demonstration of the healing power of Christian Science" (pp. 116-119). Readers can read about that particular circumstance on page 118.
What I appreciate here is the message that the patient was always free to make their own decision regarding the treatment given.
FYI: Our Reading Room in Redcliffe currently has three copies of Peel's book in our Lending Library.
Julie Swannell
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