Is Scientology a genuine faith or a cleverly crafted scam?

Answer 1

It is most certainly a scam and a cult.

L. Ron Hubbard, the science fiction writer and “prophet” of Scientology, has been quoted as saying: "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion" http://lisatrust.freewinds.cx/scientology/hubbard.htm

The cult is mostly a high powered scam. It pays members 10% commissions, called FSM (Field Staff Member) commissions, for bringing in new recruits who take a course or get counseling, so Scientology members routinely try to "sell" Scientology to others.

The new members then, in turn, are required to pay vast amounts of money to the "church" in order to receive "auditing", courses, literature, take tests, retake tests, etc. Here is a run-down of all the costs involved with Scientology membership: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_as_a_business#Costs

Here is testimony from a woman who had been involved in exposing Scientology and other cults for most of her adult life: http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/tsos/sos-19.html

Even more proof that Scientology is out for your money... here is Hubbard discussing turning the business of Scientology into a "religion" for profit:

"I am not quite sure what we would call the place - probably not a clinic - but I am sure that it ought to be a company, independent of the HAS (Hubbard Association of Scientologists) but fed by the HAS. We don't want a clinic. We want one in operation but not in name. Perhaps we could call it a Spiritual Guidance Center. Think up its name, will you. ... It is a problem of practical business. I await your reaction on the religion angle." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_controversy#L._Ron_Hubbard_and_starting_a_religion_for_money

By the way, this is what they believe (including aliens):
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap8nVqpmRkLIn2rqXNPxlCEjzKIX?qid=20061124162841AAdJv3F

Answer 2

Well, since Scientology isn't "faith" based or "scam" based, any "answers" to your "question" would be misleading, either way.
But maybe that's your intent or maybe not ?
But let's not get personal on Yahoo Ans, that's not allowed.
(Sarcasm intended)

Scientology is a religion. Here is a description of it :

Scientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. It is a very practical religion.
All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.
You can have no specific religious beliefs and still benefit from using it.
And it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.
It is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:
Religion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.

The most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.
The whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. and lifeAnd thereby his native abilities .
When you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.

How this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit. The basic religious philosophy and knowledge of Scientology is very old, going back 10,000 years at least to the Veda or Vedic Hymns from the East. L. Ron Hubbard researched and made new discoveries about the human spirit. He developed technology from these discoveries to apply to increase spiritual awareness and ability.
He completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights
to the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable personal estate, when he died.

He published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"
There are currently over 10 million Scientologists in more than 163 countries world wide. However we are a new religion, only 53 years old.
The true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:
1. A philosopher developes a philosophy about life and death.
2. People find it interesting.
3. People find it works.
4. People pass it along to others.
5. It grows.

This is just an overview.
L. Ron Hubbard explained fully the theology and technologies of Scientology in more than 500,000 pages of writings, including dozens of books and over 2,000 tape-recorded public lectures.

Answer 3

Scam

Answer 4

Scientology is a crock of crap! L. Ron Hubbard said before creating scientology that he wanted to create a religion. His intent was to make money.

All one needs to do is look at the crap that group sells and the lust for money / profit is obvious! Besides that what it trys to sell is another type of the Christians you're a sinner attitude. However instead of using the word sin they use the term you need to be clear!

Clear from what? Negative experiences or energy? All of these are caused by how we choose to react to the world around us. You do not need any religion to tell you how to think and live! USE YOUR OWN BRAIN! THINK FOR YOURSELF!

THERE IS NO GOD!

GROW UP!

Answer 5

It's not genuine. It's not even clever unless you think that believing in Xenu, the alien leader of the Galactic Confederation is clever.

If you're interested you'll find tons of info through Yahoo or Google search.

Answer 6

Just another religion created by man. In a few hundred years people will categorize it with all the other religions. Same thing that happened to Buddhism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Muslim etc etc...

It's just another thing Satan planted in someone's head to steer people away from the Lord.

Answer 7

Some of it is a scam. Here is a website that proves Science vs. the Bible.
http://www.drdino.com

Answer 8

it's a scam but not really cleverly crafted.

Answer 9

It's a dangerous cult and a scam. Plus, they sue anyone who speaks out against them.

http://www.scientomogy.com/

http://www.scientomogy.com/religiousfreedomwatch/

Answer 10

Is there an option for "not very cleverly crafted"?
?