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Thomas Polhill Stafford
The Origin of Christian Science
Published by Good Press, 2021
EAN 4064066301859
Table of Contents
PREFACE
PREFACE.
For years I have been acquainted with Christian Science. It was, however, by accident that I discovered its source. Without intending to do so, I ran upon the very hatchery of it. Several years ago I formed the purpose of pointing out the Neoplatonic elements in the philosophy of Spinoza. In doing this I was compelled to study thoroughly both Spinoza and the Neoplatonists. Upon getting some accurate knowledge of their systems of philosophy I saw that Christian Science has much in common with them.
I then formed the purpose, so soon as that task was completed, of showing the dependence of Mrs. Eddy on the Neoplatonists. Without a suggestion from me, a friend who read the manuscript observed the kinship between Neoplatonism as therein presented and Christian Science, and encouraged me to do this work also. As I pursued it my surprise constantly increased, as I discovered more and more the identity of the multitudinous ideas of the two systems. It can be truthfully said that Christian Science is little more than Neoplatonism translated into English and adapted to our theological vocabulary.
The two tasks, the second of which would not have been possible without the first, have required much patient labor, and have been accomplished in the midst of many other duties and distracting cares, but not in haste. The work has, I think, been accurately done.
There is another reason why I have written this book. Christian Science embodies much of the subtlest infidelity of our time, such as is found in Unitarianism, Universalism, New Thought and Higher Criticism of the destructive type. It is proper that we give some attention to the breeding place of these carriers of religious microbes that infect Christian life with so much poison. Beelzebub, “the lord of flies,” as the name signifies, is still sending forth his emissaries. Unbelief does not now say that Christ is Beelzebub, but on the contrary it says that the flies come from Christ and should be welcomed by us. When we discover the place whence they do come, we may be more inclined to screen our houses against them.
There are two false opinions of Christian Science. The one is cherished by its friends, namely, that it is an interpretation of and a development of Christianity; the other is held by its foes, namely, that it is a conglomeration of the crazy fancies of a distorted brain. Neither is true. Christian CScience is a stream that rises in as high and pure a fountain of thought as the world has produced, except that it is pagan and not Christian.
The proof presented in this essay will be conclusive in proportion to one's accuracy of knowledge of Christian Science or Neoplatonism. Therefore it is especially and respectfully commended to all well-informed Christian Scientists, as well as to all others, whose minds are sufficiently developed to appreciate the “deep things” that are herein dealt with.
One criticism upon the manuscript has been made by friends. It is that the treatment is too abstruse for the popular mind. I fear that it may prove to be true but I hope for a better result. I am in a “strait betwixt two,” plow deep and explain Christian Science, or scratch the surface and accomplish nothing. I have chosen the former. Christian Science is a profound philosophy. Its roots strike deep and we must dig deep to get at them. Those who understand Christian Science or who are tolerably versed in philosophy will be able to follow without difficulty the argument.
Canon City, Colo., February 17, 1912.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION.
By Rev. F. C. McConnell, D.D.
Dr. Stafford performed a duty to his fellow men, when he wrote this book. Few men are so well qualified as he, by nature and training, to accomplish such a task.
Dr. Stafford has been a careful student of philosophy and theology for more than a decade of years since he was graduated from one of our best institutions and pursued studies in one of the German universities.
It is but simple justice, to say that the book maintains throughout, the attitude of scholarly research and perfect fairness. It has not been the author's method to caricature, but to balance statement against statement, with the poise of a scholar who knows his ground and is familiar with the processes of thought, with which he deals, quoting correctly from sages and from modern scholars with equal facility, being versed in the Greek and the Latin tongues, in which the ancient authors wrote, and also in the German language in which are translations of their works.
Let it be remembered that it is not Dr. Stafford's immediate purpose to refute Christian Science. He has taken for his task the single object of showing where the founder of Christian Science and the Neoplatonists agree. And this he does show to be true of their ideas, their philosophy and often of their verbiage itself, even to the use of imagery and illustration. Parallel thoughts and statements are introduced with conclusions reached, alike in both Neoplatonism and Christian Science, covering so completely the whole range of the writings of Mrs. Eddy that an irresistible conviction is produced, that the author of Christian Science borrowed from the Neoplatonists, with here and there a flavor from Spinoza.
Interest in these parallels is sustained and heightened to the last page of the book. A few parallel passages, here and there, might not excite comment, but when all the essential body of the system of Christian Science, covering the whole range of cosmology, psychology, theology and philosophy, is traceable to these Grecian philosophers, as Dr. Stafford shows, there is but one conclusion possible.
The very delightful style of Dr. Stafford makes the book attractive from the beginning to the end; and the exceeding generosity of the author toward the founder and the advocates of the cult whose sources he traces, challenges the good will of the reader from page to page.
Dr. Stafford discloses the true nature of Christian Science in such a lucid manner, as to make his work desirable to those who care to know about the system whether friendly or opposed to the teachings of