Why do people NOT think scientology is a cult?

Question

If anyone looks up the definition of a cult, scientology fits it to a tee. It fits the objective definition of a cult, which is:

A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

The point here is generally considered. Those of you who are NOT scientologists and do not think scientology is a cult, what do you base this upon? Also, are you aware of what their actual "beliefs" are, and that they do not disclose these until their members are at the highest ranks.

I don't know of any bona fide religion where only the highest up in the religion get to know what the beliefs actually are. No one can contest that there is a veil of secrecy around scientology, and that their recruitment tactics are suspect (ever see those "free stress test" signs? Those are scientologists).

So give me some examples of why it's not a cult.

Answer 1

Of COURSE it's a cult. The "church" encourages members to "disconnect", which is to cut all ties and lines of communication, with any family or friends who question in any way the credibility of the "church". Typical cult tactic.

The "church" repeatedly drills into the heads of all members that Scientology is the one and only thing that will save the planet and everyone on it. They set themselves apart as "superior" and also villainize a specific "out-group", namely psychiatry. Typical cult tactic.

Scientology keeps all of it's benign and helpful features on the outside while keeping it's bizarre core tenets shrouded in secrecy (until, of course, you can afford to pay the obscene amounts of money necessary to advance to high enough "levels" and qualify yourself as worthy of such elite knowledge). Typical cult tactic.

Answer 2

"A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader."

Does that not sounds like Christianity too? Only Christian thinks it is the truth. It's authoritative and Charismatic leader is Jesus Christ. The lived in an unconventional manner for even during their times. (If they existed)

Cult, is basically not a bad word .... but it turned bad after some religion group insisted they are bad when this religion does not reflect onto their own actions.

Answer 3

Why do people NOT think any religion is a cult?

Scientology being right up there...They shouldnt even be called the CHURCH f scientology. Christians at least have earned the right to call their many sects churches.

I know what their belifs are because I read a story that a lady who was heavily involved in it. H/o and I will try to find it and post the link as it was quite interesting to read.

Answer 4

I'd have to agree that by that definition, Scientology is definitely a cult.

However, I don't see any evidence that a 'cult' is any worse or better than a 'regular religion', so I'm not sure how useful it is to pigeon-hole Scientology as a cult.

Answer 5

I agree with you ...however per your description of a "cult" you described most organized religions... especially the Catholic church

Extremist or false: God
Living in an unconventional manner: Nuns and Priests
Authoritarian, charismatic leader: The Pope

Answer 6

Cult

Answer 7

The majority of the world is not Christian. Is Christianity, then, a cult?
Scientology (although I am not one to believe in, or even know of the full extent of their system) isn't a cult because they have a large enough number of people following it so it is considered a "religion", oddly enough (especially since there's no religion about it >_>).

Answer 8

my question to you is why isn't every religion a cult? if you look up cult in the dictionary it basically says a following of strong believers in a religious or spiritual belief often living in colonies or groups...isn't that the description of almost every religion?

Answer 9

it is a cult once you're in you can never leave thats what cults are all about they'll brainwash you and break families apart. Think back to the early 90's the Davidian in Wako, Texas.

Answer 10

Scientology is barely somewhat much less risky than leaping into an energetic volcano. study their teachings in case you choose, yet stay removed from their church. Noone could would desire to spend 4 cases what they make in an entire life to grow to be enlightened.