Secondary Text: The Manual of the Mother Church

The Manual of The Mother Church is the governing document of the Christian Science Church and was written by Mary Baker Eddy. During Eddy’s lifetime, the “Church Manual” went through 88 different revisions. The 89^th edition includes revisions that were in process of being reviewed before Eddy’s death, but were not granted her formal approval. A small sect of Christian Scientists rejects the edition for that reason, although the vast majority does not see the changes as that significant. Those who are part of the small minority who reject the 89^th edition of the Manual, believe that Eddy intended various stipulations for her consent to effect the dissolution of the Church when she died, as they could not longer be heeded literally.

The Manual contains sixteen articles of a variety of by-laws that address topics that range from individual practice to church disciple and structure. The appendix of the Manuel also contains provisions for applying to be a member, church service order, and a Deed of Trust for the church’s land. The Manual is held in high regard with respect to the religious practice of Christian Science.

Secondary Text: The Christian Science Monitor

The Christian Science Monitor (CSM) is an international news corporation, which delivers news worldwide through various different mediums. It was founded by Mary Baker Eddy (The founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist) in 1908. The print circulation was at 67,703 as of 2009. The Monitor publishes a newspaper every week with a focus on international events.

The Monitor claims to be a secular paper, and states that it doesn’t in anyway promote the Christian Science Church’s doctrine. This being said, a religious article is published in each issue at the request of Eddy. In addition to this, Eddy also wanted “Christian Science” to be included in the name of the paper, although some people feared it might scare off a secular audience. Eddy stated that the mission of the Monitor was, “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind.”

The establishment of the Monitor was partially a response by Eddy to the journalism of her time, which continually covered scandals and biased opinions surrounding her new religion. The Monitor has struggled since the 1960s to expand its network and make a profit. The manager of the Christian Science Publishing Society and directors of the church began to plan closures and cutbacks, which led to large protest resignations in 1989 by newspaper staff and those high up in the newspaper. As a result of this, members of the administration decided to work on exploring options of a glossy magazine, and TV and radio emissions in lieu of the paper newspaper.

The Monitor continued to face many problems, as many still did not buy the printed newspaper. In 2004 the newspaper received a mandate from the church to turn in a profit. As a result of this the Monitor began to rely on the Internet more, and its website is now one of the leading new sources that is read today.