Scientology

[Paul the Human]

I read an article a while back that had a kooky conspiracy theory about Scientology. I don't usually buy into kooky conspiracy theories, being skeptical by nature, but this one really rang true to me.

According to the article (the where and who escapes me, so this is a second hand account), Scientology is comparable to an evil, covert organization bent on world conquest... not unlike a 'Legion of Supervillains'. They are willing, and able, to go to any lengths to protect themselves and continue forward with their true agenda of world domination. The 'religion' part of it is just one of it's faces. It is simply a method of gathering faithful followers, so that they will have a civilian population of loyalists once those in power make their move. That is also the reason behind their extremely aggressive recruitment of celebrities. They know that 'monkey see-monkey do' is one of the first laws of marketing and that fans tend toward imitation of their idols.

The article also claimed that Scientology is a very strong proponent of scientific and medical research and may actually provide the world with a breakthrough or two some day, but that their methods and experiments in secret laboratories could shock a Nazi (my words, not theirs). And apparently, Scientology covertly owns many corporations, through dummy corporations, of course. Those they do not own, they attempt to infiltrate and may have high ranking members of 'The Church' in some very sensitive corporate and governmental positions.

All in all, the article claimed that Scientology is not a religion (or cult) at all, but only operates as one publicly. It is, instead, a covert financial and political organization with evil intent.

I don't know, but it sounds feasible to me.

[DeistPaladin]

Technically it's not even a religion since it doesn't profess belief in a supreme deity.

Many religions don't feature a god. Buddhism is one example. I don't think Wicca does either.

---

Yes indeed, and as far as I am aware of, it is only considered a religion in the U.S and they got that status after a long court trial! In the rest of the world it is still officially considered a cult, though it seems to piss them off extremely when you call it a cult!

All religions are cults. The only difference between the two words is that "cult" is never used in the first person, as in "my" or "our".

[Ashendant]

According to several of his fellow science-fiction writers, Hubbard had on several occasions stated that the way to get rich was to start a religion.

Do i need to explain more the reason why Scientology deserves nothing but hatred?

[AnunZi]

Many religions don't feature a god. Buddhism is one example. I don't think Wicca does either.

I always thought Buddhism wasn’t counted as a religion anyway? Its more a way of life than the usual theistic bollocks.

Can anyone clarify this or link something that does please?

[Cego_Colher]

I'm pretty sure Buddhism isn't a religion either, for one if can go with other religions- manly it stemmed off from Hinduism. So, it can go with whatever belief system that someone already has.

But I have no idea what classifies something as a religion. There is a religious version of Taoism, but also a philosophical one. I remember the religious version being weird and sticking jade in the orifices of dead people.

[DeistPaladin]

This is getting into what distinguishes philosophy from religion.

I'm not entirely sure how to define it but there are some hallmarks of religion to look for:

- Temples
- Clergy
- Rituals
- Temple services
- Sacred scripture
- Saints
- Ideas about the afterlife

This is why I class Scientology with religion and deism with philosophy.

[Autumnlicious]

Scientology is not a religion, it is a business.

Why is Scientology a business? In short, mandatory dues, inability to move forward without huge payments, legal threats for leaving, "disconnection" (any relative inside of Scientology must refuse contact with the leaver), defined emphasis on profitability (you'll find that in the Church's official docs - I got a few), etc,.

At the least, it is a cult.

For it to be a religion, it requires a degree of openness (Scientology has none of that - they sue to prevent discourse), some form of ability to leave (Even Islam in the major practices allows that - why not Scientology?), and the ability to learn about upper levels without paying a Kingly sum. No major religion does that, not even Latter Day Saints.

Here are a few good quotes from the big L himself:

"Scientology...is not a religion."
- L. Ron Hubbard, CREATION OF HUMAN ABILITY, 1954, p. 251

I’d like to start a religion. That’s where the money is."
- L. Ron Hubbard to Lloyd Eshbach, in 1949; quoted by Eshbach in OVER MY SHOULDER: REFLECTIONS ON A SCIENCE FICTION ERA, Donald M. Grant Publisher. 1983

"I’m drinking lots of rum and popping pinks and greys."
- L. Ron Hubbard in a 1967 letter to his wife, written during the period when he was creating Scientology’s secret "upper levels." (Bent Corydon and L. Ron Hubbard, Jr. a.k.a. Ronald DeWolf, L. RON HUBBARD: MESSIAH OR MADMAN? Random House 1989)

[TheDarkestOfAngels]

The best information I have on scientology is as follows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwiYjQyu0Tw

Make your own judgements.

[Autumnlicious]

Or we could head to xenu.net or read up on Mark Bunker's excellent criticism of Scientology.

Oh I praise thee, Wise Beard Man.

His face is beard, his words are wise.

[Tiberius]

Wise Beard Man is indeed wise...and beard.