Christian Science

What Christian Science does

Christian Science (legally The First Church of Christ, Scientist, also known as The Mother Church) is a Boston-headquartered religious non-profit organization founded in 1879, built on the spiritual healing teachings of Mary Baker Eddy discovered in 1866. The organization operates a comprehensive publishing and spiritual education ecosystem serving a global base of members, seekers, children, teens, researchers, and general news readers. Core activities include publishing periodicals (The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, The Herald of Christian Science in 30+ languages), producing the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons in four editions and multiple formats (print, PDF, EPUB, MP3), and operating the Christian Science Monitor, an independent news publication.

The underlying technology stack is a digital publishing and content delivery platform comprising JSH-Online (a subscription portal with archives from 1883 to present, search, bookmarks, and audio), the Concord online study tool for the Bible and Science and Health, the Digital Edition of Bible Lessons with eight format options, and a BigCommerce-powered e-commerce shop. Distribution is reinforced by a global infrastructure of local churches, Christian Science Reading Rooms, a Committee on Publication network of 135 representatives, online Sunday and Wednesday services, and youth-oriented properties including TeenConnect and Sunday School for ages up to 20.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across subscription periodicals and Bible Lessons, one-time retail product sales (Science and Health editions from $12-$85, individual lesson downloads $5-$8, bound volumes $107.50-$145, marking supplies and accessories), donations and planned giving (including IRA QCDs, stocks/bonds, donor-advised funds), the Mother Church per capita tax (not less than $1 annually per member), and revenue associated with the Christian Science Monitor. The go-to-market model is hybrid: community-led engagement through churches and Reading Rooms, event-driven outreach via public lectures and Annual Meeting, and direct-to-consumer publishing via subscriptions and the Online Shop.

Name

Christian Science

Legal name

The First Church of Christ, Scientist

Website

https://christianscience.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1866

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Christian Science (The First Church of Christ, Scientist) is a Boston-based religious non-profit founded in 1879, delivering prayer-based healing education through periodicals, Bible Lessons, digital study platforms, Reading Rooms, and the Christian Science Monitor news publication to a global membership and readership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Publishing

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Book Publishers (513130), Periodical Publishers (513120)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721)

akta.pro primary industry

Religious Nonfiction & Theology Publishing (Apologetics, Doctrine, Ethics) (MPAJAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Denominational & Community Periodicals (Church Magazines, Diocesan/Temple Newsletters) (MPAJAHAI), Sacred Texts & Scripture Publishing (Bibles, Qur’ans, Vedas, Torah, Sutras) (MPAJAHAA), Worship & Liturgy Publishing (Liturgical Texts, Missals, Service Books, Hymnals) (MPAJAHAE), Religious Education & Catechetical Publishing (Sunday School, Catechism, Study Guides) (MPAJAHAC), Religious Reference & Study Tools Publishing (Commentaries, Concordances, Lexicons) (MPAJAHAL)

Keywords

• Religious publishing
• Periodical publishing
• Bible study resources
• Church services
• Spiritual education

Headquarters

HQ city

Boston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Publishing and Periodical Sales: The Christian Science Publishing Society generates revenue through sale of publications including The Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel, The Herald of Christian Science (available in 30+ languages), Bible Lessons subscriptions (digital, print, CD, audio formats), books (Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy's writings, biographies), music (Christian Science Hymnal), and merchandise. Products are sold through the online shop, local Reading Rooms, and subscription services.
2. Donations and Per Capita Tax: Members of The Mother Church pay an annual per capita tax of not less than one dollar as specified in the Manual of The Mother Church. The organization also accepts voluntary donations through multiple channels including online, mail, IRA charitable distributions (QCD), stocks/bonds, donor-advised funds, and PayPal. Planned giving and bequests are also solicited.
3. Retail Product Sales: The online shop sells physical and digital products including Bibles, Science and Health editions ($12-$85), marking supplies, cards, youth materials, and gifts. Individual lesson downloads are available for $5-$8 per lesson.
4. The Christian Science Monitor: The Christian Science Monitor (csmonitor.com) is a news publication that contributes to the organization's public presence and mission. While primarily a journalistic/public service endeavor, it may generate some revenue through subscriptions or advertising.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Christian Science publishes religious periodicals (Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, Herald of Christian Science), distributes weekly Bible Lessons in multiple editions and formats (Digital, Citation, Full-Text, CD), and sells primary texts such as Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and the King James Bible. The organization operates online church services, Reading Rooms, and practitioner directories, supplemented by audio products (Sentinel Watch, Daily Lift), merchandise, and the Christian Science Monitor news publication.

Product overview

Christian Science operates a comprehensive publishing and spiritual education ecosystem organized around its periodicals, Bible study resources, and digital platforms. The core product portfolio includes JSH-Online, a digital platform hosting The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Herald periodicals with archives spanning 1883-present, integrated with the Concord search tool for Bible and Science and Health study. The Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons are distributed across four editions (Digital, Citation, Full-Text, CD) available in multiple formats (print, PDF, EPUB, MP3) and numerous languages. Additional products include The Christian Science Monitor news publication, the Mary Baker Eddy Library, and an e-commerce Online Shop selling primary texts (Science and Health, Bible, Church Manual), music (Christian Science Hymnal), and youth materials. The organization also provides online church services and maintains Christian Science Reading Rooms as community resources. The portfolio is distributed through various digital platforms (JSH-Online, quarterly.christianscience.com, shop.christianscience.com) and supports 20+ languages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Christian Science Journal: Monthly magazine featuring articles and testimonies of Christian Science healing
• Christian Science Sentinel
• The Herald of Christian Science
• Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
• Concord
• Sentinel Watch
• TeenConnect
• Daily Lift
• eBibleLesson Express

Products and services

• JSH-Online Online subscription platform hosting The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Herald periodicals, with access to articles, testimonies of healing, biographies, audio content, and archives spanning 1883 to present for members and readers.
• Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons (multi-edition) Weekly Bible Lessons delivered in four editions—Digital (Full-Text Online, In-Context, PDF, EPUB, MP3 Audio), Citation (quarterly print), Full-Text (monthly print), and CD Audio—containing subject, Golden Text, Responsive Reading, and citations from the Bible and Science and Health.
• Concord Study Tool Online search and study tool for the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, allowing users to explore citations directly from source texts with surrounding context.
• The Christian Science Journal Monthly periodical containing articles, testimonies of healing, and church news for the Christian Science community.
• Christian Science Sentinel Weekly periodical featuring articles, living church news, and testimonies of Christian Science healing.
• The Herald of Christian Science Periodical available in 30 languages proclaiming the universal activity and availability of Truth, serving the international Christian Science community.
• The Christian Science Monitor Independent news publication with the mission to injure no man, but to bless all mankind, offering Christian Science perspective on world events.
• Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Foundational textbook of Christian Science by Mary Baker Eddy, available in multiple editions including Sterling, Marble, Midsize, Pocket, Reader's, Leather, ebook, and audiobook CD formats.
• Holy Bible (King James Version) King James Version Bible available in Sterling, Midsize, and Reader's editions with paperback, hardcover, leather, and tab-indexed binding options.
• Church Manual of The Mother Church Manual of The Mother Church containing governance policies and bylaws for Christian Science churches worldwide.
• Christian Science Hymnal Hymnal containing Christian Science hymns in two volumes (Hymns 1-429 and 430-603) available in words-only paperback editions.
• Online Church Services Live and replay online Sunday services (10 AM ET) and Wednesday testimony meetings (2 PM ET) accessible globally for members and the public.
• Sentinel Watch Podcast Audio podcast featuring episodes exploring Christian Science topics, faith questions, and inspirational content.
• Daily Lift Daily inspirational audio content providing short spiritual insights for daily life.
• Mary Baker Eddy Library Archive and research resource for materials related to Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, and the history of the movement.
• Christian Science Directory and Practitioner Listings Searchable directory at directory.christianscience.com allowing users to find Christian Science practitioners, teachers, churches, Reading Rooms, and lecturers worldwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Verified healing testimonies published continuously since 1883 through the Journal and Sentinel
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses): A religious organization's publishing arm that produces and distributes foundational doctrinal texts, regular periodicals, and multi-language study materials globally - directly comparable to The Christian Science Publishing Society in model, language breadth, and theological-text orientation.
• EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network): A faith-based media and publishing organization producing periodicals, books, audio, and digital study content for a defined religious community across multiple languages - closely analogous to Christian Science's combined publishing and broadcasting/digital ministry model.
• Deseret Management Corporation / Deseret Book: The commercial publishing and media arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, selling foundational texts, periodicals, and digital study resources to a global religious audience - a clear functional parallel to The Christian Science Publishing Society.
• The Salvation Army: A global religious denomination with a publishing division producing periodicals (War Cry) and books distributed to members and the public, supported by donations and per-capita contributions - analogous revenue and distribution model to Christian Science.
• Guideposts: A nonprofit inspirational publishing organization producing periodicals, books, and digital content for a faith-curious audience - directly comparable to Christian Science's periodicals-plus-book plus digital content portfolio serving seekers as well as committed members.
• Focus on the Family: A faith-based media and publishing ministry producing periodicals, books, podcasts, and digital content funded by donations and subscriptions - comparable community-led, multi-format publishing model to Christian Science.
• Christianity Today: A faith-based news and publishing organization operating periodicals, digital journalism, and study resources - directly comparable as both a publishing house and a Christian news outlet (overlap with the Christian Science Monitor component).

Broad incumbents

• HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Zondervan / Thomas Nelson): A large commercial publisher of Bibles, theology, devotionals, and Christian nonfiction across multiple imprints - broader incumbent in the same religious publishing segments Christian Science occupies (Bibles, theology, religious education).
• Tyndale House Publishers: A large independent publisher of Bibles, Christian nonfiction, and devotionals for the mass Christian market - competes in the same religious text and devotional segments as Christian Science Publishing Society.

Emerging players

• Hallow (prayer app): An emerging digital prayer and devotional platform targeting Christian audiences with audio, daily content, and subscription monetization - comparable to Christian Science's Daily Lift, Sentinel Watch, and Concord digital study offerings as a next-generation devotional-tech competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PrayerandHealth
• Facebookfacebook.com/worldwidechristianscience
• Instagraminstagram.com/jshteenconnect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-first-church-of-christ-scientist

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Christian Science