What do the similarities between Mormonism and Scientology mean to you?

Question

They’re both made in the USA, they both use established religious icons in their advertising (the crucifix for Scientology and the name ‘Jesus Christ’ for Mormons), they’re both rich organizations, they both exert control over their followers lives, they’ve both been on South Park, both they’re doctrines have just been made up with complete disregard to established scientific facts, both doctrines are highly irrational in nature, both actively attempt (and succeed) to spread their influence overseas and they both have prominent male central figures as founders – Ron Hubbard and Joseph Smith. Do you think Ron was impressed by what Joseph pulled off and thought that he could do that too?

I thought I was equally insulting to Scientology as well, but the Mormonites see only the insults their beliefs....interesting.

Answer 1

Six of one, half dozen of the other. It's all about which brand of BS you prefer.

Answer 2

You can say what you said about Mormons and Scientology's as an attack on any religion. South Park has attacked evangelicals too. Evangelical churches are rich churches with rich pastors...Benny Hinn as one. Their doctrines are highly irrational in nature too to non religionists. They disregard scientific facts that the earth is older than 6000 years old.
Most evangelical churches have prominent male central figures as founders. Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, John Wesley and more. Look at what you wrote and you can put down any religion.

Answer 3

As an ex Mormon, and an atheist now, I really find your question about Mormonism, insulting, Desiree. If you are an ex Mormon, with problems with the church?, at least have the courage to say so! I left the church for personal reason, and doctrine never had anything to do with it.
And if you are not, an ex member?, what difference does it make to you, what they believe? You can go to any number of sites, to obtain the information asked in this question. You do NOT have to insult them, and make snide, and rude remarks, about Joseph Smith, or about the doctrine of that church..
The LDS church does not ''control'' their members, anymore than the Catholic church ''controls' their members. If you ''believe' in your religion,. you follow its tenets, whatever they are, otherwise, why bother.
Why do you care what these people believe? How does it inter-reacts with what you think.
I have never heard a Mormon attack atheists. In fact they are supportive of us on here. I defend Mormons all the time, because I used to be one, and it pesses me off, to have anyone attack them for no good reason. And the fact that they believe the things that they do, is NO good reason, to attack them.
So please, just be content with what you think, and don't attack them, because you are bored.
As for as L. Ron Hubbard? he was a science fiction writer who got carried away with his own self importance. and he started a church based on his science fiction dogma.
Joseph smith was a boy, who only wanted the truth.

Answer 4

They don't mean much, to be honest. And, to be honest once again, I know much more about Scientology than I do about Mormonism, but I've been interested in looking into Mormonism for a while now, and especially with Romney jockeying for the Presidential lead.

Answer 5

I have never seen any comparison between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Scientology. I have been wondering what their beliefs are, so guess I should do the research.

Please remember, that there is no "mormon" church. The name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I hate to burst your bubble, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not force anyone to believe anything. The Church does not "exert control over their followers". Whoever told you this was misinformed. The Church teaches us to investigate for ourselves and not take anyone's word for anything. We are encouraged to study and learn for ourselves.

I seriously doubt that our "doctrines have just been made up with complete disregard for established scientific facts", unless the Bible is not recognized as a basis for doctrine. The Church's doctrine is based on the Bible.

I guess no other church on the planet sends out missionaries. Is that what you are saying? I've known missionaries from various churches that go out and live in foreign countries and try to convert the "heathens" to their beliefs. Last I heard, the Catholic church, the methodist church, the baptist church, all of them send out missionaries. I knew of a baptist family that lived in Russia for about 5 years trying to convert the Russians.

I guess you discount the Pope as a "prominent male central figure" in the Catholic Church. And, you must discount the fact that that the Catholic Church for centuries discouraged their members from reading the Bible for themselves and learning what it had to say, preferring that the priests tell the members what to believe. They discouraged the members from learning and questioning. The priest would get up in mass and tell the people what was what. Guess that doesn't count? Is that it?

Before you go off comparing religions, I recommend that you learn more about them, and learn about your own, as well.

Answer 6

I don't consider Scientology a religion--it is a philosophy (some of which is very helpful). Mormonism at least has faith of something at its core, even though some of the "extras" are strange, as you mention. The Mormon church is much more upfront about its finances than are Scientologists, who go to elaborate measures to conceal their financial dealings.

Answer 7

Nothing. Mormonism is an American offshoot of Christianity, Scientology was made up by a bad sci-fi author.

Answer 8

All religions have similarities.
Chirstianity, Islam, and Judiasm all have the same god.
Just about every religion teaches right from wrong - don't steal, don't murder ect...
Similarities don't mean anything except that your denomination means nothing, and that you will be rewarded for being a good person, not for worshipping the right god.

Answer 9

ROTFL...that was funny. Even Your little tirade at the end was humorous to a point. But, Hun, You are going to have to work a little harder if you want to really be among the ranks of the Anti-Mormons that you so obviously are striving to be apart of.

Answer 10

I wonder why you are so bitter toward the LDS church. Did someone hurt you, Desiree?

EDIT: I notice your comments regarding the LDS church because I am LDS. This is just common sense. I have also seen many previous questions from you regarding the LDS church. Let's not pretend that this question is floating in a vacuum all by itself.

Answer 11

No, I just think you were so desperate to start an anti-mormon fire that you tried to make an unfair comparison between a valid faith and human pride and make it seem like a question.