APA Dictionary of Psychology

a Protestant Christian religious denomination founded in 1879 by U.S. spiritual leader Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910). It is based on the idea that mind has power over matter, enabling mental healing, particularly through prayer, of both spiritual ill health (i.e., sin) and physical illness and disease. The reliance of adherents on their beliefs has sparked many controversies regarding refusal of medical and mental health care.