Christian Science Overview
Group Name: The Church of Christ, Scientist
Founder: Mary Baker Eddy
Current Leader: Doris Ulich
Date Founded: August 23, 1879
Locations: Mother Church in Boston, Approximately 900 US churches, and another 850 internationally.
Characteristics:
- Group endorses non-orthodox theology: The group is non-Trinitarian, holding a pantheistic view of God. They deny the reality of evil or of illness.[1]
- The leader is an infallible authority: Eddy quickly seized complete control after a rocky start. Bliss Knapp, who became president after her death, declared that Mrs. Eddy fulfilled the coming of the Holy Spirit foretold in John 16, the literal manifestation of God and the prophesied second coming of Christ, and asserted that Eddy herself believed this.
- Leadership seeks control over members’ activities, behaviors, and finances: No evidence.
- Requires unquestioning faith and allegiance to the leader or group: Members are expected to adhere strictly to Mary Baker Eddy’s teachings and the church. Eddy’s writings and interpretations of the Bible are central, and questioning them is generally discouraged.
- Suppression of Critical Thinking: The emphasis on Eddy’s interpretations and discouragement of medical treatment can be seen as a suppression of critical thinking, particularly in how members are encouraged to rely solely on prayer for healing rather than conventional medicine.
- Intimidation, fear, and shame are used to control members: No evidence.
- Isolates or shuns former members, leading to the loss of family connections and support: No evidence.
- Allegations of financial abuse and lack of transparency: There was a church scandal regarding the cover up of money lost by the church through its programs in the 1990s.[2]
- Allegations of sexual misconduct: No evidence.
Narrative:
Christian Science- Christian Science, founded by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 19th century, emerged as a religious movement emphasizing spiritual healing through prayer and the power of the mind over the body. Initially embraced by a significant following, Christian Science faced criticism and controversy, with detractors labeling it as cultish due to several factors. Eddy’s authoritative control over the movement, coupled with her claim to divine revelation and sole interpretation of scripture, fostered a culture of unquestioning obedience among adherents. The movement’s rejection of conventional medical practices in favor of prayer-based healing led to tragic cases of neglect, particularly concerning the health and well-being of children. Furthermore, Christian Science’s insular community and the stigmatization of dissenting views created an environment conducive to manipulation and psychological dependency. These characteristics, along with allegations of financial exploitation and the marginalization of former members, contribute to the perception of Christian Science as a cult rather than a mainstream religious denomination.
[1] James K. Walker and the Staff of Watchman Fellowship, “Christian Science,” in *Watchman Fellowship Profile Notebook: An Evangelical Christian Evaluation of New Religious Movements, Cults, the Occult, and Controversial Doctrines* (Arlington, TX: Watchman Fellowship, Inc., 1993-2024).
[2] Ibid.