WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Introduction
A recent Time magazine caption reads as follows: “Ruined lives. Lost fortunes. Federal crimes. Scientology poses as a religion but is really a ruthless global scam — and aiming for the mainstream.” What exactly is Scientology all about?
WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Bad Press
It certainly appears as though Scientology has been receiving a lot of press lately — none of which are favorable. To quote Time magazine once again: “The Church of Scientology, started by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard to ‘clear’ people of unhappiness, portrays itself as a religion. In reality the church is a hugely profitable global racket that survives by intimidating members and critics in a Mafia-like manner.” Such conclusions were drawn from a barrage of charges which have been leveled against Scientology — charges running the gamut from burglarizing and wiretapping over one hundred government and private agencies to physically and mentally abusing a number of the group’s adherents.
WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Teachings of Scientology
Now as incredible as all this activity seems to be, they pale in comparison with the actual teachings of Scientology. For instance, according to Hubbard the universe was created and is inhabited by immortal souls called “thetans,” who reside within physical bodies (which, of course, are human bodies). But due to the alleged accumulation of trillions of years of painful experiences called “engrams’, as well as mental confusion supposedly resulting from electronically-implanted disinformation, these thetans (housed in human bodies) continue to suffer today by way of mental and physical illnesses. And what Scientology claims to offer is a method of “clearing’ people of these and other obstacles that prevent individuals from realizing their true identities and awesome powers as thetans.
WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- A Conclusion
Theologically speaking, Scientology contradicts just about every doctrine of the historic Christian faith, from the nature of God and man to the reality of heaven and Christ. Judging from its teachings and practices, we can only conclude that Scientology is indeed a cult — in every sense of the word.
On Scientology and the question “What is Scientology?”, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.
