Who was the founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist?

The founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist is Mary Baker Eddy. She established this religious movement in the latter part of the 19th century, emphasizing the practice of spiritual healing and the study of Christian Science. Eddy was pivotal in articulating the beliefs and doctrines of the Church through her writings, most notably the book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which serves as a central text in Christian Science alongside the Bible.

The significance of Mary Baker Eddy extends beyond merely founding a denomination; she provided a systematic approach to understanding the relationship between Spirit and matter, and her teachings have influenced many practitioners and followers worldwide. The Church itself focuses on the healing of the mind and body through prayer and understanding of divine laws, which stem from Eddy's foundational principles.

In contrast, Martin Luther was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, and Joseph Smith was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism). William Smith is not especially recognized as a religious founder in this context, making them unrelated to the Church of Christ, Scientist. Thus, the correct answer reflects an important aspect of American religious history.