Church of Christ, Scientist

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Church of Christ, Scientist
Christian Science Church and Reflection, Boston, Massachusetts crop.JPG
The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, the church's administrative headquarters
Classification Christian new religious movement Restorationist
Orientation Nontrinitarianism
Scripture Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and Bible
RegionUnited States
Founder Mary Baker Eddy
Origin1879;145 years ago (1879)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Congregationsapproximately 1750 [1] worldwide (1,153 in US as of 2010)
Membersestimates range from around 400,000 to under 100,000.

The Church of Christ, Scientist was founded in 1879 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Mary Baker Eddy, author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and founder of Christian Science. The church was founded "to commemorate the word and works of Christ Jesus" and "reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing".

Contents

In the early decades of the 20th century, Christian Science churches were founded in communities around the world, though in the last several decades of that century, there was a marked decline in membership, except in Africa, where there has been growth. Headquartered in Boston, the church does not officially report membership, and estimates as to worldwide membership range from under 100,000 to about 400,000. [2] In 2010, there were 1,153 churches in the United States. [3]

History

The church building, Huntington Ave., Boston, 1900 Detroit Photographic Company (0402).jpg
The church building, Huntington Ave., Boston, 1900

The church was incorporated by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, following a claimed personal healing in 1866, which she said resulted from reading the Bible. [4] The Bible and Eddy's textbook on Christian healing, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures , are together the church's key doctrinal sources and have been ordained as the church's "dual impersonal pastor". [5]

The First Church of Christ, Scientist publishes the weekly newspaper The Christian Science Monitor in print and online.

Beliefs and practices

Christian Scientists believe that prayer is effective for healing diseases. [6] The Church has collected over 50,000 testimonies of incidents that it considers healing through Christian Science treatment alone. While most of these testimonies represent ailments neither diagnosed nor treated by medical professionals, the Church requires three other people to vouch for any testimony published in any of its official organs, including the Christian Science Journal , Christian Science Sentinel , and Herald of Christian Science ; verifiers say that they witnessed the healing or know the testifier well enough to vouch for them. [7]

A Christian Science practitioner is someone who devotes their full time to prayer for others, but they do not use drugs or make medical diagnoses. [8] Christian Scientists may take an intensive two-week "Primary" class from an authorized Christian Science teacher. [9] Those who wish to become " Journal -listed" (accredited) practitioners, devoting themselves full-time to the practice of healing, must first have Primary class instruction. When they have what the church regards as a record of healing, they may submit their names for publication in the directory of practitioners and teachers in the Christian Science Journal. A practitioner who has been listed for at least three years may apply for "Normal" class instruction, given once every three years. [10] [11] Those who receive a certificate are authorized to teach. [12] Both Primary and Normal classes are based on the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. The Primary class focuses on the chapter "Recapitulation" in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. This chapter uses the Socratic method of teaching and contains the "Scientific Statement of Being". The "Normal" class focuses on the platform of Christian Science, contained on pages 330-340 of Science and Health. [13]

Organization

Reflecting pool of the headquarters of the Church of Christ, Scientist. The Prudential Tower and 111 Huntington Avenue are in the background. USA 09562 Boston Luca Galuzzi 2007.jpg
Reflecting pool of the headquarters of the Church of Christ, Scientist. The Prudential Tower and 111 Huntington Avenue are in the background.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist is the legal title of The Mother Church and administrative headquarters of the Christian Science Church. [14] The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity is housed in an 11-story structure originally built for The Christian Science Publishing Society.

An international newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor , founded by Eddy in 1908 and winner of seven Pulitzer prizes, is published by the church through the Christian Science Publishing Society. [15]

Board of directors

The First Church of Christ, Scientist is the Mother Church and administrative headquarters of the Christian Science Church. Christian Science Mother Church, Boston, Massachusetts.JPG
The First Church of Christ, Scientist is the Mother Church and ad­min­is­tra­tive head­quar­ters of the Christian Science Church.

The Christian Science Board of Directors is a five-person executive entity created by Mary Baker Eddy to conduct the business of the Christian Science Church under the terms defined in the by-laws of the Church Manual . Its functions and restrictions are defined by the Manual.

Controversies

Broadcasting

Beginning in the mid-1980s, church executives undertook a controversial and ambitious foray into electronic broadcast media. The first significant effort was to create a weekly half-hour syndicated television program, The Christian Science Monitor Reports. "Monitor Reports" was anchored in its first season by newspaper veteran Rob Nelson. [16] He was replaced in the second by the Christian Science Monitor's former Moscow correspondent, David Willis. [17]

In October 1991, after a series of conflicts over the boundaries between Christian Science teachings and his journalistic independence, John Hart[ non sequitur ] resigned. [18]

The hundreds of millions lost on broadcasting brought the church to the brink of bankruptcy. However, with the 1991 publication of The Destiny of The Mother Church by the late Bliss Knapp, the church secured a $90 million bequest from the Knapp trust. The trust dictated that the book be published as "Authorized Literature", with neither modification nor comment. Historically, the church had censured Knapp for deviating at several points from Eddy's teaching, and had refused to publish the work. The church's archivist, fired in anticipation of the book's publication, wrote to branch churches to inform them of the book's history. Many Christian Scientists thought the book violated the church's by-laws, and the editors of the church's religious periodicals and several other church employees resigned in protest. Alternate beneficiaries subsequently sued to contest the church's claim it had complied fully with the will's terms, and the church ultimately received only half of the original sum. [19] [20]

The fallout of the broadcasting debacle also sparked a minor revolt among some prominent church members. In late 1993, a group of Christian Scientists filed suit against the Board of Directors, alleging a willful disregard for the Manual of The Mother Church in its financial dealings. The suit was thrown out by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in 1997, but a lingering discontent with the church's financial matters persists to this day. [21] The Destiny Of The Mother Church ceased publication in September 2023. [22]

Membership decline and financial setbacks

In spite of its early meteoric rise, church membership has declined over the past eight decades, according to the church's former treasurer, J. Edward Odegaard. [23] Though the Church is prohibited by the Manual from publishing membership figures, the number of branch churches in the United States has fallen steadily since World War II. In 2009, for the first time in church history, more new members came from Africa than the United States. [24]

In 2005, The Boston Globe reported that the church was considering consolidating Boston operations into fewer buildings and leasing out space in buildings it owned. Church official Philip G. Davis noted that the administration and Colonnade buildings had not been fully used for many years and that vacancy increased after staff reductions in 2004. The church posted an $8 million financial loss in fiscal 2003, and in 2004 cut 125 jobs, a quarter of the staff, at the Christian Science Monitor . Conversely, Davis noted that "the financial situation right now is excellent" and stated that the church was not facing financial problems. [25]

Use of spiritual healing in place of medical treatment

The use of prayer, often in place of medical treatment, has been an area of controversy since the founding of the church; and the legality of practicing Christian Science was raised as early as 1887, when some Christian Science practitioners where charged with practicing medicine without a license. [26] Avoidance of medical care is not a doctrinal obligation and is considered a personal choice, [27] However during the 1980s and 1990s in the United States, a number of Christian Scientist parents whose children died for lack of access to medical treatment were the subject of considerable controversy and were charged with manslaughter or even murder, but the outcomes of the cases were inconsistent. [28] [29] The lack of consensus regarding medical care is reflected in the laws of various U.S. states, which have also been inconsistent regarding religious exemptions from medical care. [30]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</i> Holy text of Christian Science

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy is, along with the Bible, one of the two central texts of the Christian Science religion. Eddy described it as her "most important work". She began writing it in February 1872, and the first edition was published in 1875. However, she would continue working on it and making changes for the rest of her life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary Baker Eddy</span> American founder of Christian Science (1821–1910)

Mary Baker Eddy was an American religious leader and author who founded The Church of Christ, Scientist, in New England in 1879. She also founded The Christian Science Monitor in 1908, and three religious magazines: the Christian Science Sentinel, The Christian Science Journal, and The Herald of Christian Science. She wrote numerous books and articles, the notable of which were Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and Manual of The Mother Church. Other works were edited posthumously into the Prose Works Other than Science and Health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Science</span> American new religious movement

Christian Science is a set of beliefs and practices which are associated with members of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Adherents are commonly known as Christian Scientists or students of Christian Science, and the church is sometimes informally known as the Christian Science church. It was founded in 1879 in New England by Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote the 1875 book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which outlined the theology of Christian Science. The book became Christian Science's central text, along with the Bible, and by 2001 had sold over nine million copies.

The Christian Science Journal is an official monthly publication of the Church of Christ, Scientist through the Christian Science Publishing Society, founded in 1883 by Mary Baker Eddy. The first edition appeared on April 14, 1883, bearing the subtitle, "An Independent Family Paper to Promote Health and Morals". At that time, Eddy was the editor and main contributor to the Journal. The magazine is based in Boston.

<i>The Destiny of The Mother Church</i> Book by Bliss Knapp

The Destiny of The Mother Church is a book about Christian Science written by Bliss Knapp, published privately by him in 1947, and publicly in 1991 by Christian Science Publishing Society. Knapp and his parents, Ira O. and Flavia Stickney Knapp, all knew Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy. His parents were students of hers and his father was one of the original members of the Board of Directors of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. Until 1991, the book was repeatedly rejected for publication by the church's Board of Directors because of its depiction of Eddy as the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and equating her with Christ Jesus, a position which Eddy considered blasphemous. Destiny's publication caused divisions within the church, including several resignations of prominent church employees. Critics claimed that the failure of the church's then-recent television venture, which had cost the church several hundred million dollars, had motivated the Board's reversal on publishing Knapp's book. Knapp, his wife and her sister left wills that granted bequests totalling over $100 million promised to the church if the book were to be published. The wills set a time limit of 20 years for the book to be published, otherwise the bequests were to be divided between Stanford University and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the church would receive nothing. The 1973 death of Knapp's wife set the date of the time limit to May 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bliss Knapp</span> American Christian Science teacher, 1877–1958

Bliss Knapp, the son of Ira O. and Flavia S. Knapp, students of Mary Baker Eddy, was an early Christian Science lecturer, practitioner, teacher and the author of The Destiny of the Mother Church.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Science Reading Room</span> Place where the public can access Christian Science literature

A Christian Science Reading Room is a facility operated as a public service by a Christian Science church in the community where that church exists. The local branches of The Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts, maintain these rooms as a place where one may study and contemplate the Bible and Christian Science literature in a quiet atmosphere, similar to a library.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Science Publishing Society</span> Publishing arm of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts

The Christian Science Publishing Society was established in 1898 by Mary Baker Eddy and is the publishing arm of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts.

A Christian Science practitioner is an individual who prays for others according to the teachings of Christian Science. Treatment is non-medical, rather it is based on the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1875) by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910), who said she discovered Christian Science in 1866 and founded the Christian Science church in 1879. According to the church, Christian Science practitioners address physical conditions, as well as relationship or financial difficulties and any other problem or crisis.

<i>Manual of The Mother Church</i> Book of church by-laws

The Church Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts commonly known as the Manual of The Mother Church is the book that establishes the structure and governance of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, also known as The Mother Church, functioning like a constitution. It was written by Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the church. It was first published in 1895 and was revised dozens of times. The final edition, the 89th, was published in 1910.

Robert Arthur Peel was a Christian Science historian and writer on religious and ecumenical topics. A Christian Scientist for over 70 years, Peel wrote editorials for the Christian Science Monitor, a publication owned by the Church of Christ, Scientist. He was also a counsellor for the church's Committee on Publication, set up by Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910), the religion's founder, to protect her own and the church's reputation.

Prose Works other than Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, sometimes called Prose Works other than Science and Health or simply Prose Works, is a single-volume compendium of the major works of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, outside of her main work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Also not included are Eddy's Church Manual, Poems, and Christ and Christmas. The books included in Prose Works were never published together as a single volume during her lifetime but were assembled as a convenience around 1925. When published it became the most popular book printed by the Christian Science Publishing Society besides Science and Health and the Church Manual. The constituent books have historically been published individually in parallel also. It has been issued in both hardcover and paperback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The First Church of Christ, Scientist</span> Church building in Boston

The First Church of Christ, Scientist is the administrative headquarters and mother church of the Church of Christ, Scientist, also known as the Christian Science church. Christian Science was founded in the 19th century in Lynn, Massachusetts, by Mary Baker Eddy with the publication of her book Science and Health (1875).

Virginia S. Harris is a teacher and practitioner of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. She previously served as Publisher of The Writings of Mary Baker Eddy, President and founding Trustee of The Mary Baker Eddy Library, and member and Chairman of The Christian Science Board of Directors between 1990 and 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Augusta Emma Stetson</span> American religious leader

Augusta Emma Stetson was an American religious leader. Known for her impressive oratory skills and magnetic personality, she attracted a large following in New York City. However, her increasingly radical theories, conflicts with other church members including a well-known rivalry with Laura Lathrop, and attempts to supplant Mary Baker Eddy as the leader of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, led to her eventually being excommunicated from the church on charges of insubordination and of false teaching. Afterwards she began preaching and publishing various works on her theories which she named the "Church Triumphant," and started a controversial radio station to advance her cause.

A Reader in a Christian Science church is a member of the congregation who has been elected to serve in one of two positions responsible for church services. Each week's sermon in Christian Science churches is outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, prepared months in advance, and is the same in all Christian Science churches, worldwide. As a lay church, the congregation elects readers from the congregation and they serve as readers for a set period of time. The sermons consist of passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and are studied as lessons during the week and read aloud to the congregation on the Sunday following.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irving C. Tomlinson</span> Christian Science practitioner and teacher

Rev. Irving Clinton Tomlinson was an American Universalist minister who converted to Christian Science, becoming a practitioner and teacher. For a time, he lived as one of the workers in the household of church founder, Mary Baker Eddy, later writing a book about his experiences called Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frances Thurber Seal</span> Christian Science practitioner and teacher

Frances Thurber Seal (1860–1932) was a Christian Science practitioner and teacher from the United States and one of three people to establish the religion in Germany. She also helped introduce it in Norway.

Samuel Putnam Bancroft, also known as Samuel P. Bancroft, was an American Christian Scientist and an early student of Mary Baker Eddy.

The Christian Science movement is a religious movement within Christianity founded by Mary Baker Eddy that arose in the mid to late 19th century and that led to the founding of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.

References

  1. ↑ "Spiritual Healing - Woking".
  2. ↑ "The Church Of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science)". Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
  3. ↑ "US Religion Census - 2010".
  4. ↑ Edward L. Queen, II; Stephen R. Prothero; Gardiner H. Shatuck, Jr. (1 January 2009). The Encyclopedia of American Religious History. Infobase Publishing. p. 253. ISBN   978-0-8160-6660-5 . Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  5. ↑ Mary Baker Eddy. Manual of the Mother Church, 89th Edition, page 58, Article XV "The Christian Science Pastor" Ordination. Section 1. First copyrighted 1895
  6. ↑ Eddy, Mary Baker. Science and Health. CSPS. p. 1. ISBN   9780879524371 . Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  7. ↑ "Guidelines for submitting testimonies" Archived 2006-03-24 at the Wayback Machine Christian Science Journal web site
  8. ↑ Issaoui, Nawal (2015). "Christian Science's faith healing practice in the United States and Canada: an overview from a historical and legal perspective". Acta Comparanda Subsidia II: 32. ISSN   0779-9853.
  9. ↑ Church Manual, page 92, Article XXX, Section 8.
  10. ↑ Church Manual, page 89, Article XXIX, Section 2.
  11. ↑ Church Manual, page 84, Article XXVi, Section 4.
  12. ↑ Church Manual, page 85, Article XXVI, Section 9.
  13. ↑ Church Manual, page 86, Article XXVII, Section 3.
  14. ↑ "Visit The Mother Church". Christian Science. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  15. ↑ Monitor, The Christian Science (2012-03-12). "About Us". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2021-12-04.
  16. ↑ Larmer, Brook (30 May 1986). "Monitor broadcasting to gain TV station and shortwave radio". Christian Science Monitor.
  17. ↑ Hughes, John (18 February 1993). "A Passion For Journalism". Christian Science Monitor.
  18. ↑ "Ex-anchor cites interference at Monitor". Baltimore Sun. September 2, 1992. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
  19. ↑ Peter Steinfels. "Fiscal and Spiritual Rifts Shake Christian Scientists" The New York Times (February 29, 1992)
  20. ↑ Press release Stanford University. December 16, 1993
  21. ↑ "Appellate Brief No. SJC-07156" (PDF). COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-08-20.
  22. ↑ "A message from the Christian Science Board of Directors". The Christian Science Journal. 2023-10-01. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  23. ↑ The Christian Science Journal November 2010
  24. ↑ Christa Case Bryant, "Africa contributes biggest share of new members to Christian Science church" The Christian Science Monitor (June 9, 2009). Retrieved March 16, 2012
  25. ↑ The Boston Globe October 13, 2005 p. A1
  26. ↑ Issaoui 2015, pp. 33-35.
  27. ↑ Issaoui 2015, p. 29.
  28. ↑ Issaoui 2015, pp. 29-42.
  29. ↑ "Christian Scientists in the Courts". rpl.hds.harvard.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
  30. ↑ Sandstrom, Aleksandra. "Most states allow religious exemptions from child abuse and neglect laws". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
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