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Terms

Last updated: November 1, 2020

WELCOME, and thank you for your interest in The Christian Science Publishing Society Reading Room Wholesale Shop available at https://shop.christianscience.com (“Site”).

The Christian Science Publishing Society, an affiliate of The First Church of Christ, Scientist ("CSPS," “we,” or “us”), is pleased to provide qualifying Christian Science Reading Rooms (a "Reading Room") access to the Site and services offering Christian Science products for sale at wholesale prices (collectively with the Site, the "Service"). To qualify as a Reading Room for purposes of these Terms, an organization must be a Christian Science Reading Room owned and operated by a branch church of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.

These Terms of Service, and the Privacy Policy (incorporated into these Terms by reference), (collectively, the "Terms") form an agreement between “you” (meaning both the person using the Service and the Reading Room on behalf of which such use is made) and CSPS.

In these Terms, "Content" means information, data, text, software, music, sound, photographs, button icons, logos, graphics, video, messages or other materials, and the compilation of materials that we may make available through the Service; and "Your Data" means information, data, text, messages or other materials made available through the Service by you.

By using this Service, you accept and agree to abide by these Terms. CSPS reserves the right to change these Terms at any time. We will post notices of modification to these Terms on this page. Changes will become effective 14 days after they are posted. CSPS may update or change the Service or its content at any time without notice.

MEMBER ACCOUNT, PASSWORD AND SECURITY

In order to access this Service, your Reading Room is required to create an account by establishing a username and password. If you are using or opening an account on the Service on behalf of a Reading Room, then you represent and warrant that you are an authorized representative of that Reading Room with the authority to bind the Reading Room to these Terms.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of the username and password and are fully responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You must (a) immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security, and (b) ensure that you exit from your account at the end of each session. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this Section.

APPROVED DISPLAY PROVIDERS

In addition to Reading Rooms, Approved Display Providers under license from CSPS are authorized to use the Service and will be provided with Reading Room account numbers solely for the purpose of obtaining free downloadable promotional materials, but not for purchasing products at Reading Room prices.

THE SERVICE

We provide you with a variety of products through the Service. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any new features that augment or enhance the current Service shall be subject to these Terms. The Service is provided "AS-IS," and we assume no responsibility for the timeliness, deletion, mis-delivery or failure to store any user communications or personalization settings.

COPYRIGHT IN SERVICE AND CONTENT

The Service and Content, including their related software, are owned or controlled by CSPS, its affiliates, and/or its suppliers and are protected by copyright, trade dress, database, trademark, patent, privacy and other applicable laws of the United States and of other countries. Except as expressly authorized by CSPS, you agree not to sell, license, distribute, reproduce, publicly perform or display, broadcast or transmit, publish, modify, edit, adapt, translate, compile, create derivative works from, or otherwise make unauthorized use of the Service or Content. All rights not expressly granted through the Terms are reserved. If you believe this Service is infringing your copyright, please contact us at copyright@csps.com.

USE OF SERVICE AND CONTENT

You may view, download, and print Content from this Service for the Reading Room’s noncommercial use only. You may not modify, publicly display, publicly perform, sell, republish, redistribute, or reproduce in quantity any Content or products from this Service without the express written permission of CSPS, except for:

(i) products ordered through this Service which may be sold in and by the Reading Room, (ii) downloadable promotional materials which may be printed and displayed in Reading Room windows and at events such as book fairs to promote the sale of our products as described at http://www.christianscience.com/legal/guidelines-for-displays-of-print-materials, and (iii) cover images that may be used on Reading Room websites as described at http://www.christianscience.com/legal/website-guidelines.

You may not exploit any portion of the Service (including applicable account name), use of the Service, or access to the Service for any other commercial purposes. Please see section “Other agreements; software, services or access” below for additional information. You may not access the Service by any means other than through the interface provided.

You may not use the Service to produce and distribute print or electronic copies of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, copyrighted by CSPS, for general or public distribution through sale, rental, lending, or any other means. Please see these terms relating to sharing Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons.

Once Content has been deleted, it is no longer available.

For information about using Content in any other way, please e-mail: permissions@csps.com.

By using the Service, you agree not to:

  • Use the Service for any illegal or unlawful purpose.
  • Attempt to modify the Service or interfere with the proper working of the Service.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service, other accounts, computer systems or networks connected to the Service, through hacking, password mining, or any other means.

DOWNLOADS

As a download purchaser, you may place copies of a purchased download on a reasonable number of devices you own or control for your private, personal use. Distributing copies to others is not permitted. Once purchased, there are no refunds (see refund policy here). 

It is your responsibility to maintain your downloaded files which you can access by logging into your Shop account. If you did not create an account, you can access your files through the order confirmation email sent at the time of purchase. If you'd like your purchases to be connected to your Shop account, please register your email for an account and let customer service know your order number, and email, and they'll be happy to connect them for you so you can log in anytime anywhere to access them.

You may log into your account on the Online Shop to access any purchased downloadable products, as long as the product(s) is still offered in the Shop.  

TERMS OF USE AND LICENSE FOR AUDIOBOOKS AND EBOOKS (“Terms”)

Thank you for your purchase of this electronic publication (“eProduct,” whether downloadable or in physical format, including without limitation CD, USB, eBook, Audiobook, or otherwise) from the Christian Science Online Shop (“Shop”). Access to and use of this eProduct is subject to U.S. and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws and the following Terms. All intellectual property rights are reserved to the copyright and trademark holders. All rights not expressly granted are reserved. No permission is given to make or distribute copies of eProducts not legitimately obtained, including eProducts borrowed from Christian Science Reading Rooms or from friends.

Please note that these Terms only apply to non-music eProducts (spoken word audiobooks or text eBooks) purchased or otherwise accessed through the Shop. If you have questions about how you can use music recordings from the Shop, please visit shop@christianscience.com/musicterms. 

 A few examples of the various eProducts to which these Terms apply include:

eBooks

  • Mary Baker Eddy: Christian Healer – eBook
  • A World More Bright: The Life of Mary Baker Eddy – eBook
  • Christian Science Hymnal (Hymns 1–429) – Words Only – eBook
  • Wissenschaft und Gesundheit mit Schlüssel zur Heiligen Schrift – eBook

Audiobooks

  • Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (Audiobook Download)
  • Mary Baker Eddy: Christian Healer – Audiobook (USB)
  • Anthology of Classic Articles, Volume 2 – Audiobook (CD)

Please note that other downloadable or electronic publications and subscription products available from The Christian Science Publishing Society (“CSPS”), The Office of the Publisher’s Agent (“OPA”), or on ChristianScience.com, even if available through the Shop, have their own Terms of Use, which may differ significantly from these Terms. These other publications and products include, without limitation, The Christian Science Monitor, the Christian Science QuarterlyⓇ Bible Lessons, the periodicals and other downloadable content from Christian Science JSH-Online, Concord, or the Daily Lift. 

If You have any questions about these Terms, please contact our Customer Care Center at shop@christianscience.com. 

A. License

This license is granted by CSPS or OPA, as applicable, only to the individual or institution purchasing this eProduct or receiving this eProduct as a gift (“You”). This eProduct is licensed for Your personal use only, which may extend to the sharing options outlined below. Note that usage permissions may vary depending on whether You are an individual or an institution, as described below. Please note that “personal use” does not include sharing the eProduct, in whole or in part, whether information, data, text, software, music, sound, photographs, video, button icons, logos, graphics, video, messages or other materials, and the compilation of such materials, as incorporated in the eProduct and the descriptive material on the Shop (together, the “Content”). 

As an eProduct purchaser, You may place copies of a purchased eProduct on a reasonable number of devices You own or control for Your personal use. These copies must be complete; without editing or extracting.

You may also log into Your account on the Christian Science Online Shop (“Shop”) to restore a purchased eProduct, as long as the eProduct is still offered in the Shop (note that for some eProducts purchased prior to November 2, 2020, You will need to contact us at shop@christianscience.com to obtain reauthorization to download additional copies). It is Your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage a purchased eProduct. We encourage You to back up Your eProducts regularly. Once an eProduct is no longer offered in the Shop, You will no longer be able to restore it. 

B. Sharing Content

Except as expressly authorized in these Terms, you may not:

  • Reproduce, distribute, or publish the Content, or share copies thereof with others in any form via printed copies, internet, intranet, social media, email, file sharing, posting files on a website or archive, or other electronic or physical means; 
  • Broadcast, stream, transmit, archive, publicly perform (play), or publicly display copies of the Content;
  • Make any commercial or for-profit use of the Content;
  • Modify the Content or make derivative works that include the Content, in whole or in part, without written permission from CSPS or OPA, as applicable.

C. Authorized Sharing of Content

For Individual Purchasers

Family Sharing

You may share the original eProduct, or make one digital copy of a purchased eProduct to share with members of Your immediate family for their personal use, provided that they do not further reproduce or distribute the eProduct or copy. Such family sharing is authorized for one additional copy of any particular eProduct. Each shared copy must be complete as published, without editing or extracting, and all copyright information must be included. Please inform Your family members of these Terms when sharing eProducts with them. If more copies are desired for long-term use and retention by multiple family members, please consider purchasing additional copies to show support for the mission of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.

Non-related housemates, dorm mates, neighbors, and friends are welcome to purchase their own copies of eProducts in whatever format they prefer.

Other Individual Sharing

Individual purchasers may play (non-music) audio eProducts in private in-person or online group settings, such as a gathering of friends or in a private Zoom meeting which is not being recorded.

For Institutional Purchasers

Further to section A. License, Institutional purchasers, such as Christian Science care facilities, churches (including Sunday Schools), Reading Rooms, camps, and schools, may play (non-music) audio eProducts during private in-person or online group settings. Such settings could include via a closed-circuit audio system, in a classroom, in a camp or school meeting, or in a private Zoom meeting which is not being recorded.

Institutional purchasers may make up to 3 additional copies of eProduct files for backup purposes, but should not further distribute those copies. These copies must be complete; without editing or extracting. Institutional purchasers may loan a device containing the file to their residents, membership, patrons, campers and/or students, etc. Reading Rooms may not allow patrons to copy eProducts from the Reading Room's computer onto personal electronic devices, recordable CDs, or otherwise. 

Sharing of Screens

Individual and institutional purchasers are always welcome to allow others to privately read text eProducts from the purchaser’s device screen. However, public displays of text-based eProducts, such as by Reading Rooms, should be done in accordance with the Display guidelines.

To inquire about other uses of eProducts not expressly permitted in these Terms, please contact permissions@csps.com.

Finally, use of eProducts is further subject to the terms and conditions of use which were accepted at the time you completed your purchase of the particular eProduct from the point of purchase. Please see https://shop.christianscience.com/terms-of-service/.

To learn more about Terms of Use for audiobooks and ebooks, click here.

To learn more about Terms of Use for music, click here.


OTHER AGREEMENTS; SOFTWARE, SERVICES OR ACCESS

Additional terms and conditions may apply when you use or purchase certain other services, affiliate services, third-party content, or third-party software through the Service. We may provide software products or services under the terms of a separate agreement between you and a third party (each, an “Other Agreement”). Our obligations with respect to any product, service, or access that such third party makes available to you shall be governed solely by the Other Agreement, and these Terms shall not be deemed or construed to alter the terms of such Other Agreement.

TRADEMARKS

All trademarks, logos, and images, including but not limited to the products and publications depicted on the Service are the property of CSPS, its affiliates, or suppliers and except as provided in these Terms may not be used in any manner without obtaining written permission from CSPS. The Cross and Crown design and the Mary Baker Eddy facsimile signature are trademarks and service marks of The Christian Science Board of Directors, and are registered internationally. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

YOUR REGISTRATION OBLIGATIONS

Use of the Service (other than viewing) requires you to provide identifying information through a registration process.
When registering, you agree that you:

 

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are not barred from receiving services under the laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdiction
  • Will provide accurate and complete information ("Registration Data")
  • Will maintain and promptly update the Registration Data to keep it accurate and complete

We reserve the right to suspend any account if the Registration Data provided is inaccurate or incomplete.

 

You may authorize your Reading Room staff members to use your Reading Room account on your behalf, in which case you represent that each staff member:

  • Is at least 18 years old
  • Is not barred from receiving services under the laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdiction
  • Has agreed to comply with these Terms


PRIVACY POLICY; USE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE DATA

Collection and use of Registration Data and certain other information about you and your Reading Room is subject to our Privacy Policy. You agree to the transfer of this information to the United States and/or other countries for storage, processing, and use by us, our affiliates, and our service providers. The Privacy Policy is hereby incorporated into these Terms by reference.

SUBMISSIONS OF USER CONTENT

Unless you request anonymity, if you submit statements, questions or comments to the Service you grant CSPS a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, edit, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such statements, questions or comments, in whole or in part, in any media, now known or later developed, with or without name attribution. You also warrant that the submission does not violate the rights of any third party.

INTERSTATE NATURE OF COMMUNICATIONS

You acknowledge that in using the Service to send electronic data, You will be causing data to be sent through Our and Our supplier's computer networks, portions of which may be located in various locations in or outside the United States. As a result of the nature of electronic communications, even communications that seem to be intrastate in nature can result in the interstate or international transmission of data regardless of where You are physically located at the time of transmission. Accordingly, by agreeing to these Terms, You acknowledge that use of the Service may result in interstate or international data transmissions.

INTERNATIONAL USE

You must comply with all local rules and applicable laws regarding online conduct and the transmission of acceptable content.

INDEMNITY

You agree to indemnify, defend (at our election) and hold harmless CSPS, its affiliated entities, officers, directors, trustees, employees, contractors, agents, and third-party suppliers, from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs), arising out of your use or misuse of the Site, any breach or alleged breach by you of these Terms or of the copyright, trademark, proprietary or other rights of third-parties. CSPS reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify CSPS, and you agree to cooperate with CSPS in the defense of such claims.

SERVICE MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION

CSPS may in its sole discretion and at any time update, change or terminate the Service and its Content, and may terminate your account or access rights to this Service. You agree that any termination of the Service or your access to the Service may be effected without prior notice. These Terms and Privacy Policy shall survive termination. CSPS shall not be liable to you or any third party for terminating the Service.

ACCOUNT MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION

You may modify your account at any time. If you have any questions about or would like to inactivate your account, please contact us at shop@christianscience.com or call us at +1 617 450-2790, Monday through Friday, 9AM-4:15PM Eastern time. The summer schedule (June through August) is Monday through Thursday, 9AM-4:15PM Eastern time.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SERVICE, ITS OPERATION, AND ALL OF THE INFORMATION, CONTENT, MATERIALS, OR PRODUCTS INCLUDED ON THE SERVICE ARE PROVIDED BY CSPS ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS. WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT (i) THE SERVICE WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS, (ii) THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE, (iii) THE RESULTS THAT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE USE OF THE SERVICE WILL BE ACCURATE OR RELIABLE, (iv) THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES AND INFORMATION OBTAINED BY YOU THROUGH THE SERVICE WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS, AND (v) ANY ERRORS IN THE SERVICE WILL BE CORRECTED.DOWNLOADING OR OTHERWISE OBTAINING MATERIALS THROUGH THE USE OF THE SERVICE IS DONE AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION AND RISK AND YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM OR LOSS OF DATA THAT RESULTS FROM THE DOWNLOAD OF ANY SUCH MATERIAL.
CSPS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR THE CONDUCT OF USERS OF THE SITE OR INFORMATION EXCHANGED OR POSTED ON THE SITE, INCLUDING CLAIMS OF DEFAMATION, OR FOR ANY LOST CONTENT OR DATA.NO ADVICE OR INFORMATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, OBTAINED BY YOU FROM US OR THROUGH OR FROM THE SERVICE SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY NOT EXPRESSLY STATED IN THESE TERMS.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

CSPS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM THE USE OF OR ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, AND CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES (EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES), RESULTING FROM: (i) THE USE OF OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE; (ii) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR DATA; (iii) STATEMENTS OR CONDUCT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE SERVICE; OR (iv) ANY OTHER MATTER RELATING TO THE SERVICE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY. ACCORDINGLY, SOME OF THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES

Except as otherwise expressly provided in these Terms, there shall be no third party beneficiaries to these Terms.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applicable Law

All disclaimers, policies, terms, conditions, and disputes hereunder will be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States, without regard to their choice of law principles.

Your exclusive forum for bringing any claim or cause of action against us is the courts located in the City of Boston, Massachusetts U.S.A. You hereby accept and submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any proceeding or action. With respect to any such proceeding or action brought in such courts, you hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law: (a) any objection you may have now or in the future to such jurisdiction or venue, and (b) any claim that such action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Nothing limits our right to commence and prosecute any legal or equitable action or proceeding before any court of competent jurisdiction to obtain injunctive or any other form of relief.

Waiver and Severability of Terms

Our failure to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the parties nevertheless agree that the court should endeavor to give effect to the parties' intentions as reflected in the provision, and the other provisions of these Terms remain in full force and effect.

No Personal Liability

No director, officer, trustee, employee, or agent of CSPS or its affiliates shall be personally liable for the performance of or failure to perform any provision of these Terms.