A Christian Science practitioner is an individual who follows the practice of healing through prayer according to the teachings of Christian Science. This usually takes the form of what is called Christian Science treatment, a specifically focused prayer involving the affirmation of absolute spiritual or metaphysical truth of the spiritual perfection of God, and of man in God's image and likeness. Treatment may rely on passages of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, including the Lord's Prayer and familiar psalms, such as the 23rd and 91st. But it may also simply be a period of silent communion. There is no formula and treatment can be given in absentia, including by telephone or via e-mail.
Any student of Christian Science who has taken two-week class instruction in Christian Science healing may use the initials 'C.S.,' and take patients as a practitioner. Those desiring to be in the full-time practice usually do this for several years and must be members of the Mother Church, the global organization headquartered in Boston.
Qualified practitioners may advertise in the Christian Science Journal, published by the Church of Christ, Scientist as its official organ. To advertise in the Journal—in print and/or on-line—the applicant must be a full-time practitioner and provide evidence of three cases of healing, not including family members. These cases must be attested to in writing by those healed. The on-line listing is accessed through www.spirituality.com and then under 'journal directory." Some traditional insurance plans cover the cost of treatment received from a Christian Science practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal. The United States government has ruled that payment for Christian Science treatment is now considered a medical expense by the IRS and by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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