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Top 10 Facts About The Church Of Christ Scientist

Also known as the Christian Science Church was founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy. The Church is a non-denomination Christian denomination. It follows the outlined teachings in Eddy’s book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Her book emphasizes the spiritual nature of reality and the power of prayer which heals emotional and physical ailments. The church doesn’t have a traditional hierarchy it is instead governed by a lay Board of Directors and a Manual of The Mother Church.

Members of the church believe that God created human beings from his own likeness and that sickness and suffering are not real but a result of incorrect beliefs. They believe that sickness can be healed through applying spiritual principles. 

The church has close to 1,500 branches worldwide. The headquarters are located in Boston, Massachusetts. The church usually holds its services on Sunday and includes readings from Eddy’s book and the bible, prayers, and hymns. The church also offers its members Christian Science practitioner services and Christian Science nursing services. Both services help in teaching members prayer-based healing and seeking spiritual care instead of medical.

Read about Christian Scientists who impacted the world here.

1. The Church was founded by a Woman

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In 1879, Mary founded the Church of Christ Scientist after growing up in a deeply religious family with a strong foundation in faith and spiritual healing. When Mary was younger, she realized that her faith had a powerful effect on her physical health. She focused on the healing power of prayer and faith through which she began to believe that illness was caused by incorrect beliefs. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the church grew rapidly with branches around the world.

2. The Church Adapted to Various Changes in The 21st Century

Over the years, the church has had to adapt to the changing society. However, the church has gone through a decline in memberships due to the rising number of Christian scientific churches all over the world. Even though the church has faced a decline, it still remains active and committed to its beliefs. The church has a global presence of 2,000 churches in 70 churches. 

In the 21st century, it has embraced technology as a means of communication and outreach. Following these changes, the church created a website that provides access to sermons, articles, and podcasts.

Some of its members have turned to social media platforms like Instagram in order for them to connect with others and share their faith. Even though the church has been able to adapt to the modern world, it still remains modest but plays an important role in the spiritual lives of its members.

Read about Christian Scientists who impacted the world here.

3. The Church has no Relationship with Scientology

Many people in the modern world connect the two churches even though they don’t share any beliefs or practices. Both churches belong to different religious organizations and have notable differences. Some of the notable differences include the difference in beliefs and approaches to science. For Example, in the Church of Christ, Scientist believes in the power of prayer and spiritual healing while in Scientology, believes in the idea of spiritual self-improvement. The Church of Christ, Scientist believes in the compatibility of science and religion while Scientology emphasizes its unique scientific approach to understanding the human mind and spirit.

4. Members of the Church of Christ Scientist follow a Strict Religious Practice

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Members of the church follow a number of practices that bring them closer to God. These practices include reading and studying the Bible together with the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, seeking spiritual healing through the understanding of God, Wednesday services that involve testimonies of healing, and Sunday services that consist of readings, hymns, and prayer.

Some of their practices are applied outside of the church like Christian Science nursing where members are healed through prayer and spiritual healing, the Christian Science Journal, and the Christian Science Sentinel which provide articles and testimonies, believing that spiritual healing is available to all who seek it.

5. There was Controversial Broadcasting of The Christian Science

Over the years, the church has faced a lot of controversies like the refusal of medical treatment because prayer is the only means of healing which has led to court cases in the US, limited access to mental health care because the church discourages its members to seek help and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people due to the fact that the church has historical views on sexuality.

However, they have faced backlash for broadcasting and financial scandals because of mismanagement and mishandling of funds donated by members. Throughout the years, there were broadcasting restrictions in the early days. In the 1930s, the church faced backlash for not separating church and state. In the 1980s, the church faced a lawsuit because they preached that a man healed from cancer through spiritual healing.

6. There are Schools Based on the Church of Christ

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Throughout the years, there are different schools that have different approaches to science education. Many schools prioritize the interpretation of the Bible and place less emphasis on the teachings of mainstream science. Members of the church reconcile faith with their scientific work by simply adopting a non-literal approach to religious texts. Many may struggle to adapt their faith and scientific beliefs especially if there are conflicts between the two. 

The relationship between schools based on the church and science depends on a variety of factors like the relationship between individual scientists and their faith. However, the factor that differs between both schools is the individual interpretations of religious texts and personal beliefs.

7. They have a Logo of Christian Science

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The church’s logo features a red cross on a white background with the words Christian Science written in gold underneath. The red cross symbolizes spiritual healing, the white background symbolizes purity and clarity of thought, and the lettering reflects the importance and value of the Christian Science teachings. The logo can be found in all their churches as well as official documents from the organization.

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8. They have Christian Science Programs

The has a network of Christian science reading rooms where people can come and study the teachings of the church. The program also helps members of the church to find spiritual inspiration and guidance. Aside from the reading rooms, there is also an active Sunday School program that educates the children and teenagers on the teachings of the church. The program also helps the children to live their lives with integrity and service.

9. They have Modern Architecture in All of Its Churches

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The churches of Christian Science are identified by their modern architectural style which shows the principles of the religion. There are a number of characteristic architectural elements, for instance, the churches are usually designed with simplicity and a minimalist aesthetic. The church also sticks to white marble and light-colored materials that signify purity, transparency, and clarity. Most people see this unique design as a way to create a sense of openness and welcome.

The churches are meant to promote peace and tranquility which is why they chose light and warm designs. These designs are also meant to create a space where members can worship together, contemplate, and inspire each other.

10. They have a Christian Science Weekly Magazine

The weekly magazine is published by Christian Science Publishing Science, it provides articles insights, and commentary on Christian Science theology and practice. The magazine also covers news and events that are related to the Christian Science community in all countries where the church has a representation. The magazine is available in digital and print formats and can be subscribed to on the Christian Science website.

All in all, the church is private but open to new members who believe that powerful prayer can heal illnesses. The church offers various programs and services that are open to anyone who believes in Christian Science. The church just like any follows a spiritual routine filled with prayer and reading the Bible. Some scholars like to compare the Church of Christ to other Christian churches due to the fact that the only difference between the two is the belief.

Read about Christian Scientists who impacted the world here.