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→Organization: Christian Science Reading Rooms
==Organization==
==Organization==
The Church of Christ, Scientist is headquartered in Boston, in a large complex which includes the Mother Church,<ref>known as '''The''' First Church of Christ, Scientist, as distinguished from the others, designated simply "First Church of Christ, Scientist"</ref> the Christian Science Publishing Company, and a unique world globe called the Mapparium. It has about two thousand branches in seventy countries; however, the strongest support for it continues to exist in the northeastern United States, where it originated. The church does not publish membership figures, but it is thought to have about half a million adherents worldwide,<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_157.html#941 400,000] according to adherents.com</ref>, and its well-publicized recent financial difficulties have led outsiders to surmise that its membership is in decline.
The Church of Christ, Scientist is headquartered in Boston, in a large complex which includes the Mother Church,<ref>known as '''The''' First Church of Christ, Scientist, as distinguished from the others, designated simply "First Church of Christ, Scientist"</ref> the Christian Science Publishing Company, and a unique world globe called the Mapparium. It has about two thousand branches in seventy countries; however, the strongest support for it continues to exist in the northeastern United States, where it originated. The church does not publish membership figures, but it is thought to have about half a million adherents worldwide,<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_157.html#941 400,000] according to adherents.com</ref>, and its well-publicized recent financial difficulties have led outsiders to surmise that its membership is in decline.
A network of "Christian Science Reading Rooms" are operated by the Church; each is usually associated with a nearby church, and provides a form of outreach. Passersby can enter and study, borrow, or purchase copies of ''Science and Health'' or the current issue of the Christian Science Monitor. Often in storefront locations, in the United States they are a ubiquitous part of the urban and town landscape.<ref>The fictional city of Springfield in the animated cartoon series ''The Simpsons'' contains one.</ref>
The Christian Science Monitor is a newspaper founded by Eddy in 1908, partly in response to what she felt was biased coverage of Christian Science in the publications of the day. The New York Times referred to it as the "Eddy cult"<ref>"Christian Science Denounced. Plainfield Clergyman Preaches on the Unchristianity of the Eddy cult." June 10, 1901, p. 1</ref>. Mark Twain published a blistering book-length attack, suggesting that the Church was a device for the "concentration of money and authority in the hands of an irresponsible clique" and saying of Eddy that "I do not think her money-passion has ever diminished in ferocity, I do not think that she has ever allowed a dollar that had no friends to get by her alive." Eddy wanted her own publishing outlet.
The Christian Science Monitor is a newspaper founded by Eddy in 1908, partly in response to what she felt was biased coverage of Christian Science in the publications of the day. The New York Times referred to it as the "Eddy cult"<ref>"Christian Science Denounced. Plainfield Clergyman Preaches on the Unchristianity of the Eddy cult." June 10, 1901, p. 1</ref>. Mark Twain published a blistering book-length attack, suggesting that the Church was a device for the "concentration of money and authority in the hands of an irresponsible clique" and saying of Eddy that "I do not think her money-passion has ever diminished in ferocity, I do not think that she has ever allowed a dollar that had no friends to get by her alive." Eddy wanted her own publishing outlet.
From the beginning, the Monitor's coverage was never limited to Christian Science, and by the 1930s it had become a serious and well-respected newspaper. In the 1980s and 1990s the church attempted to expand into electronic media, with a syndicated radio news program, a Boston television station, and a cable channel, and became overextended, creating a financial crisis for the church.
From the beginning, the Monitor's coverage was never limited to Christian Science, and by the 1930s it had become a serious and well-respected newspaper. In the 1980s and 1990s the church attempted to expand into electronic media, with a syndicated radio news program, a Boston television station, and a cable channel, and became overextended, creating a financial crisis for the church.
==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
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