Scientology is a system of beliefs and practices created by American pulp fiction author [1][2] L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 as a self-help philosophy. By 1960 Hubbard had redefined it as a "religion by its basic tenets".[3] The Church of Scientology, by far the largest organization promoting the belief system of Scientology, is sometimes referred to simply as "Scientology". Scientologists who are not members of the Church of Scientology (sometimes called the Free Zone) have expressed offense at this.
The Church of Scientology presents itself as a religious non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of the human spirit and providing counseling and rehabilitation programs. Church spokespeople claim that Hubbard's teachings (called "Technology" or "tech" in Scientology terminology) have saved them from addictions, arthritis, depression, learning disabilities, mental illness, cancer, homosexuality[4][5] and other perceived problems.
The controversial organization has attracted much criticism and distrust throughout the world because of its closed nature and strong-arm tactics in handling critics.[6] Lawmakers, including national governing bodies of several countries, have characterized the Church as an unscrupulous commercial organization, citing harassment of critics and exploitation of its members.[7] Scientology's principles have been characterized as pseudoscientific by scientists, medical doctors and psychotherapeutic practitioners. Although some religious scholars consider Scientology a religion[8], it has frequently been perceived as a cult and a pseudoreligion. [9][10]
Allegations of Scientology's cult status can be attributed to its unconventional creation by a single authoritative and charismatic leader.[11][12] Within the church members are arranged in a hierarchically pyramid ranked structure [13], with higher level members holding authority over lower ranked subordinates, especially as evidenced by the Sea Org. The Church indoctrinates its members providing very little initial knowledge of the inner secrets of the organization. In order to reach this knowledge parishioners are required to advance forward in rank through study and payments to the Church, the incentive of which is the stepped acquisition [14] of promised powerful secrets and gaining of supernatural abilities.
According to a 2001 survey published by the City University of New York 55,000 people in the United States would, if asked what their religion was, have said Scientology.[15] The worldwide number of Scientologists is disputed: the Church of Scientology claims around 10 million members as of 2006, but claimed national membership figures it has released when totalled indicate a figure of around 500,000. Adherents.com suggests there may be 500,000 Scientologists worldwide [16] whilst critics say Church membership is likely to be less than 100,000[17].
2006-06-26 18:01:40
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I think EDD gave a good answer, but my opinion is that it's not a religion. It's more like a self help philosophy. It is very expensive and you can't move up a level without shucking out huge bucks for books and trainings. It resembles a cult because they ask you to keep things secret under the guise that other people arn't ready to hear it. It also asks you to stay away from people that are non-Scientologists so that they don't influence you.
Oh one more thing, Scientology also believes in and teaches about alien life forces, kind of weird. Well, it was started by a science fiction writer.
P.S. I believe that Christ is the best way to happiness. If you follow the golden rule "Do into others as you'd have done unto you" you can't go wrong. The New Testament, especially the Gospels have a great message of hope.
That's ehat I know to be true and I am sticking to it- remember you asked.
2006-06-26 18:12:51
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answer #2
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answered by Lisa N 5
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Scientology is a DANGEROUS cult that has a long history of brain washing and hurting people. And that is EXACTLY what is going on with Cruise. He's been brain washed.
Want to see something hilarious and very very disturbing? Watch the episode of South Park where they make fun of scientology. Understand that everything they say about their beliefs is true. Unfortunately, they left out the part about all the evil behaviors and people they have hurt.
2006-06-26 17:57:02
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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"In a Nutshell
The Church of Scientology is a vicious and dangerous cult that masquerades as a religion. Its purpose is to make money. It practices a variety of mind-control techniques on people lured into its midst to gain control over their money and their lives. Its aim is to take from them every penny that they have and can ever borrow and to also enslave them to further its wicked ends. "
http://www.clambake.org/roland-intro.html
This is from the main critical site of scientology, http://www.clambake.org ( http://www.xenu.net )
If you like video's go here http://www.xenutv.com
This is from Scientology's own website:
"Scientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life.
http://www.scientology.org
You can find a neutral viewpoint here:
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/scientology
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/xenu
This is a comedy site about tom & his beliefs:
http://www.tomcruiseisnuts.com
2006-06-28 01:21:30
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answer #4
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answered by Xenu.net 5
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Its a cult if you asked me (which you did). Its a type of so called "religion". Just type it in on a search engine and you can read about it. I did before I rushed to judgement......and I still believe its a cult. I believe in Jesus Christ and that is the only way to me.
2006-06-26 17:56:53
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answer #5
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answered by AstonishingAries<3 3
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Scientology is a racket, albeit a legal one.
2006-06-26 18:32:55
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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just in response to some of the christian posts...people are always so scared of what they don't understand. it is much easier to judge. don't listen to them and start researching and reading and then make up you own mind.
2006-06-26 18:04:33
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answer #7
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answered by curious1 3
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selfishness
2006-06-26 17:55:36
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answer #8
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answered by ☼Jims Brain☼ 6
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ask him. he will tell you all about it ;)
2006-06-26 17:55:27
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answer #9
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answered by coralflower 3
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