Is Scientology really a religion or is it a cult?

Question

What religion charges you to learn about its precepts. I know about tithing but didnt Jesus say that to know about God was kinda like free of charge?

Answer 1

its neither, scientology was one mans dream of becoming rich, he did so, and then he died. it is the largest money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, and organized crime syndicate on the planet. just because stupid people actually think its a religion or a cult, doesn't mean its anything more then what it is... one giant lie

Answer 2

You can find out about the all the precepts of the religion of Scientology by reading books . Same as Christianity. You read the Bible, it's full of books.
Sometimes you buy the books/Bible. It costs money to produces books. But try your local library if money is a problem for you.

As for money as an exchange for those who choose to
study Scientology and recieve it's services, well Scientology is a new religion, only 53 years old. It does not have hundreds of years of accumulated wealth and property like other religions. It must operate and establish itself in the world according to the economics of today's society.
It selected the donation system it has as it's primary method of funding itself because it is the most equitable (fair) method.
Those who want the training and individual spiritual councelling should be the ones who contribute most to maintain the facilities that provide it.
I don't see how this is such a huge deal.
Obviously it is worth it to those who choose to donate for these services and they get the exchange and value they expect for doing so. Otherwise they wouldn't do it.

Let's at least be logical.

Answer 3

It's a cult, and you're right, it's an extremely greedy, manipulative, scamming cult.

L. Ron Hubbard, the science fiction writer & “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 & 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

Answer 4

cult or con I rather does not classify it as a valid faith or concept, greater a place for unhappy stupid morons with greater money then brains i think of its a necessity to have not have been given any loose will or experience of effective judgment in the previous you will be admitted EDIT: outsiders you're an entire moron how can somebody be a scientolgist without transforming into a member of the actaul church of scientology , how are you able to declare you be attentive to each little thing approximately it once you're no longer even a member , do you think of any relgious team could positioned their maximum useful secrets and techniques in books for the final public , you're making me snicker the only valid ideology scientology has replaced into stolen from THELEMIC concepts perpetuated by potential of Crowley , which i could desire to declare that even nonetheless Hubbard had a incredibly pathetic expertise of and to characteristic to that hes adultarted most of the concepts along with his pathetic babble , the faster this concept of vulnerable minded fools dies out the greater suitable for each individual

Answer 5

Both.. But Scientology is fake.
In the late 1940s, pulp writer L. Ron Hubbard declared, "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."
L Ron Hubbard created this religion to make money. And he made some good money "selling" this religion.

People are so gullible

Answer 6

There is more to it than is suggested in your question.

Scientology is a subject of spiritual discipline. The church of scientology (CoS) is a religious institution with a history of the worst sort of behavior as is often associated with cults. L. Ron Hubbard was the founder of both, subject & church. He was not however, as the CoS often asserts, the sole developer of the subject of scientology.

There are many people completely disassociated from the church of scientology who are happily practicing scientology and gaining benefit therefrom.

These people reject any of the abusive practices which are habitual with the official organizations of the church of scientology . Their behavior is not "cult-like".

The CoS has been demonstrably quite hostile to such persons for, as they see it, "infringing on their domain".

This was amply illustrated in a show made by an impartial observer for british tv 4 and entitled "The Beginner's Guide to L. Ron Hubbard". It is an excellent intro to the subject, as well as providing some insight in the abusive practices of the church of scientology.

The video of this show is currently available on google video at:

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1786568759674213741

Answer 7

Scientology is a cult created by a science fiction writer.

Answer 8

So, you fell for that free-of-charge line. Ha, ha. Are you talking about christianity or scientology. What's the difference anyway.

Answer 9

Critical thinking, you could say all religions are like cults.

Answer 10

Scientology is like AmWay. It is a business that appeals to the hopes and dreams of its followers in order to make its leaders rich.