How does Christian Science understand sin and redemption?

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The Mother Church at the Christian Science Center in Boston stands beside a large reflecting pool, with its domed roof and ornate facade visible under a partly cloudy sky. — Christian Science The Mother Church and reflecting pool, Christian Science Center, Boston.

In Christian Science, sin is understood as a fundamental denial of God’s sovereignty, rooted in the erroneous belief that life, mind, and will originate from matter rather than from spirit. This materialist perspective is viewed as a false sense of reality caused by inadequate human perception.1

Redemption is considered essential to salvation and is described as a demanding, long-term process that requires the cultivation of virtues such as humility, patience, repentance, and cross-bearing. Central to this process is the attainment of the "mind of Christ," which involves recognizing humanity’s true spiritual status and looking beyond material appearances to a demonstrable spiritual reality.1

Furthermore, Christian Science views the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ as indispensable to human redemption. Because the denomination emphasizes the healing of disease through prayer as a necessary element of this redemptive process, such healing is regarded as proof that the limitations of the mortal state can be overcome.1