Christian Scientists and COVID-19: How Church Periodicals Framed Appropriate Metaphysical Practice, Communication Response, and Spiritual Authority During the Pandemic
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Authors
Swanson, Douglas J.
Issue Date
2024
Type
Journal Article
Language
Keywords
COVID-19 , Pandemic , Media Framing , Christian Science , Mary Baker Eddy
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Church of Christ, Scientist offers a spiritual practice centered around metaphysical healing. This study applied a media framing analysis to stories in church periodicals published during COVID-19. The review identified four types of metaphysical practice, four communication strategies, and six authority figures. Most stories reflected a calm, non-confrontive approach consistent with the social order of Christian Science. Several interesting exceptions were noted. Study findings add to the body of literature regarding Christianity’s response to COVID-19 and contribute to knowledge of a church that tightly controls its public communication and has sometimes struggled to adapt in the modern world.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center, Creighton University
License
The journal is open-access and freely allows users to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of all published material for personal or academic purposes.
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1522-5658