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Church of Christ Scientist

Church of Christ Scientist

8.8
A Christian religious group that believes prayer can heal people and follows the writings of Mary Baker Eddy
  • proper noun
translation icon : Iglesia de Cristo Científico
  • The Church of Christ Scientist was established with a focus on healing through prayer.

Examples

  • The Church of Christ Scientist promotes healing through prayer.

  • She has been a member of the Church of Christ Scientist for over twenty years.

  • In some cities, the Church of Christ Scientist buildings are architectural landmarks.

  • Many people find comfort in the Church of Christ Scientist teachings.

  • The Church of Christ Scientist emphasizes the importance of spiritual healing in its teachings.

  • She appreciates the community support provided by the Church of Christ Scientist during challenging times.

  • Members of the Church of Christ Scientist regularly gather for services that focus on prayer and healing.

Synonyms

Christian Science
vsChurch of Christ Scientist
7 8.1

A religious movement that believes in spiritual healing and follows Jesus' teachings

is an organized Protestant denomination rather than a broader religious movement

Surface Forms

Morphology

church + of + Christ + Scientist

The phrase is compositionally clear as a named religious institution (church + of + [Christ Scientist]), so a learner who knows the words will understand it refers to a church associated with a group called 'Christ/Christian Scientist'. However, the specialized sense — that this name denotes the specific denomination 'Christian Science' and its emphasis on spiritual healing — and the non-literal use of 'Scientist' as a denominational label are not predictable from the literal constituents, so full meaning requires world knowledge or prior exposure.

Etymology

Church of Christ Scientist was named by its founder, Mary Baker Eddy. She put Christ and Scientist together to show a church that studies spiritual ideas and uses prayer for 'healing', so the name points to a Protestant group focused on Christian Science teachings.