The True Science of Healing
Chapter 2

Wisdom, Science
and Progress

In this chapter we deal with two fallacies, both of which are widespread, and both of which could present a serious stumbling block to the earnest seeker after truth.

The first fallacy resides in the belief that mankind is increasing in wisdom, and that our intellect today is far in advance of that of the early inhabitants of our planet. Inspiration assures us that this is simply not the case:

“In strength of intellect, men who now live can bear no comparison to the ancients. There have been more ancient arts lost than the present generation now possess. For skill and art those living in this degenerate age will not compare with the knowledge possessed by strong men who lived near one thousand years.” (4aSG155.4)

“True knowledge has decreased with every successive generation. God is infinite, and the first people upon the earth received their instructions from that infinite God who created the world. Those who received their knowledge direct from infinite wisdom were not deficient in knowledge.” (1BC1089.3)

“Those who are deceived, and flattered on in the delusion that the present is an age of real progress, and that the human race has been in ages past progressing in true knowledge, are under the influence of the father of lies, whose work has ever been to turn the truth of God into a lie.” (4aSG156.1)

In response to these statements, some may point to our modern-day inventions and discoveries as being fair proof that we are far more advanced than were the early inhabitants of our planet. To this suggestion, we have been given a very brief response:

“There are many inventions and improvements, and labor saving machines now that the ancients did not have. They did not need them.” (1BC1089.6)

The second fallacy lies in the widely accepted idea that all that gathers itself under the banner of ‘science” is true science. This too is a delusion, for . . .

“Satan still lives to exercise his deceptive power through false science.” (9T69.1)

 “False science is one of the agencies that Satan used in the heavenly courts, and it is used by him today.” (Ev600.4)

 “The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to ‘science falsely so called’ will not be the leaders then.” (5T80.1)

‘Science, so called, and religion will be placed in opposition to each other, because finite men do not comprehend the power and greatness of God.” (MM98.1)

Clearly, therefore, not all that adorns itself as wisdom is truly wise, and not all that allies itself with science is necessarily scientific.

This should not surprise us in the least, however. In a world where God has been rejected by the great majority of our scientists, and by all too many of those who are numbered amongst the “wise,” we cannot reasonably expect it to be otherwise, for:

• “Wisdom comes from God. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom.” (1888-1819.4; ML360.6)

• “God is the author of science. All true science proceeds from God.” (CT426.2; RH, September 25, 1900 par. 14)

While we should be careful not to discount the value of wisdom, or to belittle true science, we do need to recognize that . . .

“The very spirit of heathen idolatry is rife today, though under the influence of science and education it has assumed a more refined and attractive form.” (5T192.3)