church of christ, scientist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious
Quick answer
What does “church of christ, scientist” mean?
The official name of the Christian denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, emphasising spiritual healing through prayer based on the teachings of Christ.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official name of the Christian denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, emphasising spiritual healing through prayer based on the teachings of Christ.
Often used to refer to the organisation, its congregations (called churches or societies), and its members (Christian Scientists). The term distinguishes it from other Christian denominations and emphasises its foundational text, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, as it is a proper noun for an international organisation. The church's headquarters are in Boston, USA, but its nomenclature is standardised globally.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and doctrinal connotations. May also evoke associations with the denomination's distinctive practices, such as its approach to healthcare.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions, appearing primarily in religious, historical, or sociological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “church of christ, scientist” in a Sentence
[The] Church of Christ, Scientist [verb: teaches, holds, maintains][Person] attends [the] Church of Christ, ScientistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “church of christ, scientist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She follows Church of Christ, Scientist teachings on healing.
American English
- The Church of Christ, Scientist reading room was on Main Street.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and sociological studies of new religious movements and American religious history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing religion. Shortened form 'Christian Science' is more common.
Technical
Used in legal documents, official church publications, and historical records pertaining to the denomination.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “church of christ, scientist”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “church of christ, scientist”
- Omitting the comma (Church of Christ Scientist).
- Confusing it with the Church of Christ or the Church of Scientology.
- Using 'Christian Scientist' to refer to a scientist who is Christian, rather than a member of this church.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different organisations. Christian Science was founded in the 19th century in the United States and is a denomination within the Christian tradition, while Scientology was founded in the 20th century and is not considered a Christian denomination.
The term refers to Mary Baker Eddy's concept of 'Christian Science'—the scientific, demonstrable system of healing and living based on the laws of God as taught by Christ. Followers are 'practitioners' of this science.
Traditional teaching emphasises spiritual means for healing. While individuals make their own choices, the church's distinctive practice has been to rely on prayer-based healing rather than conventional medical treatment.
It is the textbook of Christian Science, written by Mary Baker Eddy, and is studied alongside the Bible. It is considered foundational to the church's teachings.
The official name of the Christian denomination founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, emphasising spiritual healing through prayer based on the teachings of Christ.
Church of christ, scientist is usually formal, religious in register.
Church of christ, scientist: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɜːtʃ əv ˌkraɪst ˈsaɪəntɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃɜrtʃ əv ˌkraɪst ˈsaɪəntɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the full title by its components: 'Church' (the organisation), 'of Christ' (its foundational figure), and 'Scientist' (referring to the 'Science' of Christianity as taught by Mary Baker Eddy).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHRISTIANITY IS A SCIENCE; SPIRITUAL HEALING IS A SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE. The name frames religious understanding as a systematic, demonstrable science.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key practice associated with the Church of Christ, Scientist?