Holidays

Which religious holidays the denomination celebrates or rejects — Christmas, Easter, saints' days, and the reasoning for observance or non-observance.

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Overall consensus64/100

Church of Christ, Scientist

Church of Christ, Scientist

Unique & Independent

Varies

Christmas and Easter may be observed; spiritual meaning emphasized

Christian Science practice regarding holidays is not uniformly prescribed. Many Christian Scientists observe Christmas and Easter, understanding them spiritually rather than materially. These holidays commemorate important spiritual truths: Christmas represents the birth of Truth in consciousness, and Easter represents the triumph of Spirit over matter.

However, no holiday is obligatory, and the denomination emphasizes the spiritual reality behind these observances rather than material celebration or commercial aspects. Individual Christian Scientists determine their own approach to holiday observance based on their understanding of spiritual principle.

Key Distinctions

Christmas easter observed:
may be observed; spiritualized in meaning
Biblical feasts observed:
not observed
Rationale:
celebrations are interpreted spiritually; the Christ-principle is eternal not seasonal

Scripture References

Sources

  • Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy