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Christian Science Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Christian Science: Origins, Beliefs, and Practices

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Christian Science: Origins, Beliefs, and Practices Study Guide

Origins and Founder: Mary Baker Eddy and Precursors

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science and author of its foundational text, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' established the movement in the 19th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy founded Christian Science and authored 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.' The movement and the book originated in the 19th century, specifically with the church chartered in 1879.

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Mary Baker Eddy described Christian Science as a restoration of primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy articulated her founding of Christian Science as a movement to reinstate primitive Christianity and recover its integral healing practice.

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Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, a New England clockmaker, is considered a significant precursor to the mind-cure movement.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, a practitioner of mental healing in New England, is widely regarded as a foundational figure and precursor to the mind-cure movement.

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Mary Baker Eddy was a contemporary and student of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, with her teachings heavily influenced by his.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy was a patient of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, and historical analysis indicates a significant influence of his ideas on her developing theological framework.

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Mary Baker Eddy's primary goal in founding the Church of Christ, Scientist was to establish a new form of spiritualism.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy stated that her primary objective in founding the Church of Christ, Scientist was to reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing, not to establish spiritualism.

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Mary Baker Eddy was born into a family with no religious affiliation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy was born into a devout Congregationalist family in New Hampshire, indicating a religious upbringing prior to her founding of Christian Science.

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Before developing Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy exclusively used conventional medical treatments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to formulating Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy explored various forms of treatment, including conventional medicine, homeopathy, hydropathy, and mesmerism under Phineas Quimby.

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The 1866 fall on the ice is considered a pivotal moment in Mary Baker Eddy's development of Christian Science understanding.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy identified an incident in 1866, following a severe fall, where she experienced a spiritual healing through prayer alone, as a significant catalyst in her comprehension of Christian Science principles.

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Mary Baker Eddy's major published works include 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' and 'Miscellaneous Writings'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Key published works attributed to Mary Baker Eddy include her seminal text 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' as well as 'Miscellaneous Writings' and the 'Manual of The Mother Church'.

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Identify the individual credited with founding Christian Science and authoring its principal theological work, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures'.

Answer: Mary Baker Eddy, the founder and author of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures'.

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy is recognized as the founder of Christian Science and the author of its central text, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' which articulates the movement's core doctrines and practices.

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Phineas Parkhurst Quimby is significant in the history of Christian Science primarily because he:

Answer: Was a mental healer whose teachings influenced Mary Baker Eddy.

Explanation: Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, a pioneer in mental healing, is considered a crucial precursor to Christian Science due to the demonstrable influence of his ideas and practices on Mary Baker Eddy's theological development.

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What did Mary Baker Eddy state as her primary objective when founding the Church of Christ, Scientist?

Answer: To reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing.

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy articulated her founding mission for the Church of Christ, Scientist as the reinstatement of primitive Christianity and the recovery of its integral healing practice.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a major published work by Mary Baker Eddy?

Answer: The Christian Science Monitor

Explanation: While Mary Baker Eddy founded 'The Christian Science Monitor' newspaper, it is not considered one of her major published theological or doctrinal works, unlike 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' 'Manual of The Mother Church,' and 'Miscellaneous Writings'.

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Core Tenets and Theology

The primary religious texts for Christian Science are the Bible and 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Adherents of Christian Science consider both the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy's 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' to be the principal texts guiding their faith and practice.

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Christian Science theology aligns closely with traditional Christian denominations regarding the concept of the Trinity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science theology diverges significantly from many traditional Christian denominations, particularly concerning the doctrine of the Trinity, which Mary Baker Eddy reinterpreted.

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Adherents of Christian Science believe that the material world is the ultimate reality.

Answer: False

Explanation: A fundamental tenet of Christian Science is the belief that reality is purely spiritual, and the material world is considered an illusion or a manifestation of error.

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Mary Baker Eddy considered 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' to be an ordinary book and did not ordain it.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy regarded 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' as an inspired text. In 1895, she ordained the Bible and 'Science and Health' as the 'Pastor' of the Mother Church.

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The seven synonyms for God in Christian Science are Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within Christian Science theology, God is understood through seven distinct synonyms: Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love.

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In Christian Science, heaven and hell are understood as literal places in the afterlife.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science interprets heaven and hell not as geographical locations or future events, but as states of consciousness reflecting one's spiritual understanding and relationship with divine Principle.

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Christian Science accepts the entire Genesis creation narrative, including the account of the material world's creation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science accepts the initial account of creation in Genesis, emphasizing God's creation of man in His image. However, it rejects the subsequent narrative of material creation as a depiction of the false or material.

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Christian Science views Jesus as a divine being who atoned for humanity's sins through his sacrifice.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science views Jesus as a human individual who demonstrated the Christ, or Truth, and served as a 'Way-shower.' It interprets atonement not as a sacrifice for sins, but as achieving an 'at-one-ment' with God.

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The concept of atonement in Christian Science refers to achieving an 'at-one-ment' with God through understanding divine truths.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Christian Science, atonement is understood as the process of achieving an 'at-one-ment' with God through spiritual understanding and the realization of divine truths, rather than a vicarious sacrifice.

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Christian Science theology is considered trinitarian, adhering to the doctrine of one God in three persons.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science theology is nontrinitarian. Mary Baker Eddy viewed the traditional concept of a personal Trinity as suggestive of polytheism, preferring to describe God as 'All-in-all'.

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How does Christian Science theology fundamentally differ from many other Christian denominations regarding core doctrines?

Answer: It reinterprets concepts like the Trinity, Jesus' divinity, atonement, and the Eucharist.

Explanation: Christian Science theology presents distinct interpretations of fundamental Christian concepts, including the Trinity, the nature of Jesus' divinity, the meaning of atonement, and the significance of the Eucharist, often through a unique glossary of terms.

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What is the central tenet of Christian Science concerning the nature of reality?

Answer: Reality is purely spiritual, and the material world is considered an illusion.

Explanation: A core philosophical principle in Christian Science is that ultimate reality is exclusively spiritual, positing that the material world is an illusory manifestation rather than a fundamental aspect of existence.

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In Christian Science, the Holy Ghost is understood as:

Answer: Christian Science itself.

Explanation: Within Christian Science theology, the Holy Ghost is interpreted not as a distinct person of a Trinity, but rather as synonymous with Christian Science itself, representing divine Principle or Truth.

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How does Christian Science interpret the concepts of heaven and hell?

Answer: As states of mind rather than physical places.

Explanation: Christian Science interprets heaven and hell not as literal geographical locations or future events, but as states of consciousness reflecting one's spiritual understanding and relationship with divine Principle.

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What is the Christian Science interpretation of Jesus' role and the concept of Christ?

Answer: Jesus is seen as a Christian Scientist and 'Way-shower', with Christ representing Truth.

Explanation: Christian Science views Jesus as a human individual who exemplified the Christ, or Truth, serving as a 'Way-shower' to humanity. Christ is understood as the divine idea or manifestation of Truth, which Jesus fully embodied.

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What is the theological stance of Christian Science regarding the Trinity?

Answer: It is nontrinitarian, viewing the concept of a personal Trinity as suggestive of polytheism.

Explanation: Christian Science theology is nontrinitarian; Mary Baker Eddy considered the traditional doctrine of a personal Trinity to imply polytheism, preferring to define God as 'All-in-all' and utilizing specific synonyms.

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Healing and Practice

Christian Science views disease as a physical disorder that should primarily be treated with conventional medicine.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science posits that disease is a mental error rather than a physical ailment and advocates for healing through prayer and spiritual understanding, rather than conventional medical intervention.

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The Church of Christ, Scientist strictly prohibits all forms of medical care for its adherents.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Christian Science emphasizes spiritual healing, it does not strictly prohibit all medical care. Adherents may utilize medical services for specific conditions, such as dentistry or obstetrics, and may comply with public health mandates like vaccination.

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Christian Science prayer involves making appeals to a personal God and reciting specific liturgical phrases.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science prayer is characterized by a silent argument affirming the unreality of matter and the perfection of God's creation. It does not typically involve appeals to a personal God or the recitation of set liturgical phrases.

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The concept of 'malicious animal magnetism' in Christian Science suggests that individuals can be harmed by the negative thoughts of others.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Malicious animal magnetism' is a theological concept within Christian Science that posits the potential for individuals to experience harm through the negative mental influence or thoughts of others.

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Christian Science practitioners are individuals who provide healing services for free, as mandated by church doctrine.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christian Science practitioners are certified individuals who provide healing services, but they typically charge a fee for their services, which is permissible within the church's framework.

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To become a Christian Science teacher, one must complete a two-week 'primary class'.

Answer: False

Explanation: A two-week 'primary class' qualifies an individual to become a Christian Science practitioner. To become a teacher of primary class, further advanced training, such as a 'normal class,' is required.

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In 2015, Christian Scientists in Australia were advised against vaccines by church leadership.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reports from 2015 indicate that Christian Scientists in Australia were not advised against vaccines, and the religious exception for vaccination was considered 'no longer current or necessary' by church leadership in that region.

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The church's current stance (as of 2021) is that vaccination is a mandatory requirement for all members.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2021, the Church of Christ, Scientist reiterates that vaccination is a matter of individual choice for its members, not a mandatory requirement dictated by church doctrine.

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The core principle behind Christian Science healing practices is the realization of God's allness and man's perfect reflection of it.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christian Science healing is fundamentally based on the spiritual understanding that God (Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love) is All, and that humanity, as God's reflection, is inherently perfect and whole.

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According to Christian Science beliefs, how should disease be understood and treated?

Answer: Disease is a mental error, best treated through prayer to correct underlying beliefs.

Explanation: Christian Science posits that disease is fundamentally a manifestation of erroneous thought or belief, and adherents seek healing through prayer and spiritual understanding aimed at correcting these underlying mental states.

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Which of the following medical services might Christian Science adherents utilize, according to the source?

Answer: Dentists, optometrists, obstetricians, and physicians for specific issues like broken bones.

Explanation: While emphasizing spiritual healing, Christian Science does not universally prohibit medical care. Adherents may consult dentists, optometrists, obstetricians, and physicians for specific needs, such as treating broken bones or childbirth.

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What is the function of Christian Science practitioners?

Answer: To charge a fee for providing Christian Science prayer to address problems like ill health.

Explanation: Christian Science practitioners are individuals trained and certified to provide spiritual healing through prayer, for which they typically receive a fee, addressing issues such as ill health.

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What was the church's stance on vaccination for Christian Scientists in Australia as of 2015?

Answer: The religious exception for vaccination was considered no longer current or necessary.

Explanation: In 2015, reports indicated that within Australia, the religious exception previously afforded to Christian Scientists regarding vaccination was deemed 'no longer current or necessary' by church leadership in that region.

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What is the core principle behind Christian Science healing practices?

Answer: The understanding that all healing is a metaphysical process based on the realization of God's allness.

Explanation: The fundamental principle guiding Christian Science healing is the metaphysical understanding that all reality is spiritual, rooted in the realization of God's omnipresence and perfection, which inherently negates the reality of material discord like disease.

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Church Structure and Governance

The Church of Christ, Scientist was chartered in 1879 and subsequently reorganized under the same name in 1892.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Church of Christ (Scientist) received its charter in 1879, and a later reorganization in 1892 established the Church of Christ, Scientist.

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The Mother Church of Christian Science, located in Boston, Massachusetts, was completed in 1894.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary edifice known as The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, was constructed in Boston, Massachusetts, and completed in 1894.

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The Christian Science Monitor, a publication of the Church of Christ, Scientist, has received numerous prestigious journalistic awards.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Christian Science Monitor is recognized for its journalistic excellence and has been the recipient of multiple Pulitzer Prizes and other significant awards.

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Mary Baker Eddy founded 'The Christian Science Monitor' in 1883.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Mary Baker Eddy founded several periodicals, 'The Christian Science Monitor' was established later, in 1908. 'The Christian Science Journal' was founded in 1883.

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The first purpose-built Christian Science church building was erected in Boston, Massachusetts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Although the Mother Church is in Boston, the first purpose-built Christian Science church structure was erected in Oconto, Wisconsin, in 1886.

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The Church of Christ, Scientist is governed by a council of ordained bishops and a college of cardinals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Church of Christ, Scientist operates as a lay church without a hierarchical structure of bishops or cardinals. Its governance is managed by a president and a board of directors.

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Membership requirements in the Manual of The Mother Church include paying an annual tax of at least one dollar.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Manual of The Mother Church stipulates that members must fulfill certain requirements, including the payment of an annual tax of at least one dollar.

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Christian Science services involve ordained clergy who perform elaborate rituals and administer sacraments.

Answer: False

Explanation: As a lay church, Christian Science services do not feature ordained clergy, elaborate rituals, or sacraments. Services are conducted by Readers who present readings from the Bible and 'Science and Health'.

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The Christian Science Publishing Society is solely responsible for publishing 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Christian Science Publishing Society is responsible for various publications, including periodicals like 'The Christian Science Monitor.' However, 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' was authored by Mary Baker Eddy and its publication rights are managed separately.

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Healing testimonials published in Christian Science periodicals only need to be known by the person sharing them.

Answer: False

Explanation: Healing testimonials submitted for publication in Christian Science periodicals must be verified by three individuals who are familiar with the testifier and can attest to the integrity of the account or the healing itself.

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The Mapparium, a stained-glass globe, is located within the Christian Science Center in Boston.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Mapparium, a notable architectural feature and a three-story stained-glass globe, is situated within the Christian Science Center complex in Boston.

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In what year was the Church of Christ, Scientist chartered by Mary Baker Eddy and her followers?

Answer: 1879

Explanation: The Church of Christ (Scientist) was granted its charter in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy and her associates.

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What is the designation and location of the main church building for Christian Science?

Answer: The First Church of Christ, Scientist, located in Boston, Massachusetts.

Explanation: The primary church edifice for Christian Science is known as The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and it is situated in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Beyond its religious practices, what is the Church of Christ, Scientist particularly recognized for?

Answer: Its influential newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, and public Reading Rooms.

Explanation: The Church of Christ, Scientist is widely known for its internationally respected newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, and its network of public Reading Rooms, which serve as centers for study and outreach.

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Where was the first purpose-built Christian Science church building constructed?

Answer: Oconto, Wisconsin

Explanation: The first purpose-built church structure for Christian Science was erected in Oconto, Wisconsin, in 1886, predating the completion of The Mother Church in Boston.

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What is the role of the Committee on Publication within the Church of Christ, Scientist?

Answer: To protect the church's reputation by addressing public perception and potential misrepresentations.

Explanation: The Committee on Publication, established by Mary Baker Eddy, serves to safeguard the church's reputation by addressing public discourse and correcting potential misrepresentations or misunderstandings concerning Christian Science.

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How are services typically conducted in the Church of Christ, Scientist, given its nature as a lay church?

Answer: Through readings from the Bible and Science and Health by two Readers, accompanied by hymns and silent prayer.

Explanation: Christian Science services are conducted by Readers who present passages from the Bible and 'Science and Health.' These readings are supplemented by hymns and periods of silent prayer, reflecting the church's lay structure and emphasis on scripture.

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How are healing testimonials verified before publication in Christian Science periodicals?

Answer: They must be verified by three individuals who know the testifier well.

Explanation: Testimonials of healing submitted for publication in Christian Science periodicals undergo a verification process, requiring attestation from three individuals familiar with the testifier and the reported healing.

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Historical Trajectory and Membership

Christian Science experienced a significant decline in membership from its peak in the mid-20th century to the early 21st century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following a period of substantial growth, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, Christian Science membership has shown a marked decline in subsequent decades.

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Early criticisms of Christian Science primarily focused on its financial management and organizational structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: While organizational aspects were sometimes scrutinized, early criticisms of Christian Science, notably from figures like Mark Twain and Georgine Milmine, often focused on theological interpretations, Mary Baker Eddy's leadership, and the practice of spiritual healing.

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The 'Next Friends Suit' in 1907 aimed to prove Mary Baker Eddy was mentally incompetent.

Answer: True

Explanation: The legal action known as the 'Next Friends Suit' was initiated in 1907 with the objective of having Mary Baker Eddy declared mentally incompetent.

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Christian Science spread internationally to countries like Germany, South Africa, and Australia during Mary Baker Eddy's lifetime.

Answer: True

Explanation: During Mary Baker Eddy's lifetime, Christian Science established a global presence, extending its reach to numerous countries across continents, including Germany, South Africa, and Australia.

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Which statement accurately describes the trend in Christian Science membership from the mid-20th century to the early 21st century?

Answer: Membership experienced rapid growth, peaking in the mid-20th century, followed by a significant decline.

Explanation: Christian Science membership saw substantial growth in the early to mid-20th century, reaching a peak, after which it experienced a considerable decline in the latter part of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

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The 'Next Friends Suit' filed in 1907 alleged:

Answer: Mental incompetence.

Explanation: The 'Next Friends Suit,' initiated in 1907, was a legal challenge that sought to establish Mary Baker Eddy's mental incompetence.

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Relationship to Metaphysical Movements

The 'metaphysical family' of religious movements includes Christian Science, Divine Science, and the Unity School of Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christian Science is recognized as a prominent member of the 'metaphysical family' of new religious movements that emerged in the United States during the late 19th century, alongside movements like Divine Science and Unity.

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The term 'mind-cure movement' originated from the emphasis on physical healing methods within these metaphysical groups.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'mind-cure movement' arose from the emphasis on mental and spiritual means of healing, rather than physical methods, within these metaphysical religious groups.

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Christian Science is largely indistinguishable from the broader New Thought movement due to shared core beliefs.

Answer: False

Explanation: While sharing some common ground with the New Thought movement, Christian Science maintains distinct theological interpretations and practices, such as Eddy's concept of 'malicious animal magnetism' and her view of her teachings as a unique revelation.

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Christian Science leaders, according to J. Gordon Melton, actively identify their religion with the New Thought movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to scholar J. Gordon Melton, Christian Science leaders generally reject identification with the New Thought movement, positioning their religion within mainstream Christian teaching despite theological divergences.

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Which of the following is NOT considered part of the 'metaphysical family' of religious movements that emerged in the US in the late 19th century?

Answer: Shakerism

Explanation: Christian Science, Divine Science, and the Unity School of Christianity are recognized as key components of the 'metaphysical family' of movements. Shakerism, while a distinct religious movement, is not typically categorized within this specific group.

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How did Mary Baker Eddy's approach, as described in the source, differ from the broader New Thought movement?

Answer: Eddy viewed her teachings as a unique revelation and introduced concepts like 'malicious animal magnetism'.

Explanation: Mary Baker Eddy distinguished Christian Science from the broader New Thought movement by asserting her teachings as a unique and final revelation and by incorporating specific concepts such as 'malicious animal magnetism,' which addressed perceived negative mental influences.

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