Is Scientology a Religion or a Cult?
Scientology has been recognized as a religion by many authorities across the world. It holds in common many of the beliefs of other religions and philosophies. Scientology considers man to be a spiritual being, with more to him than flesh and blood. This, of course, is a very different view to that espoused by prevailing scientific thought which views man as only a material object, a complex combination of chemical compounds and stimulus-response mechanisms.
While some media has been busy spreading rumors about Scientology being a cult, it is very interesting that every existing religion in the world was at some point in time “labeled” as a cult. Not surprisingly Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the world but started only 55 years ago. So to many, to be accepted as a religion needs more time!
So, why do I personally consider that Scientology is a religion and not a cult? To start with, Scientology believes man to be basically good, not evil. It is man’s experiences that have led him to commit evil deeds, not his nature. Often, he mistakenly seeks to solve his problems by considering only his own interests, which then causes trouble for both himself and others.
Scientology believes that man advances to the degree he preserves his spiritual integrity and values, and remains honest and decent. Indeed, he deteriorates to the degree he abandons these qualities. But because man is basically good he is capable of spiritual betterment, and it is the goal of Scientology to bring him to a point where he is capable of sorting out the factors in his own life and solving his own problems.
Other efforts to help man have tried to solve his problems for him and in this respect Scientology is different. Scientology believes that an individual placed in a position where he can increase his abilities, where he can confront life better, where he can identify the factors in his life more easily, is also in a position to solve his own problems and so better his own life.
There are many authorities in the world who have recognized the religious and bona-fide nature of Scientology, and these authorities are definitely experts in evaluating the difference between a cult and a religion.
Some testimonials from real authorities about Scientology:
“The movement founded by L. Ron Hubbard will engage itself increasingly in the design of a new world following the collapse of the Soviet Union and communism. A new awakening of spiritual powers is taking place and his vision will help shape events”.
Hans Janitschek
President Society of Writers
United Nations
“The Church of Scientology has taken an active role in the fight for social justice and equal rights for minorities. Community programs which utilize the study methods of L. Ron Hubbard have helped thousands of inner-city children as well as adults. And Mr. Hubbard’s moral code, The Way to Happiness, has been used to rehabilitate gang members and given them a chance to become honest and productive citizens. Scientologists have been instrumental in providing minorities tools which enable them to accomplish their goals.
“As a new religion, the Scientologists have had their share of discrimination but work tirelessly to preserve not just their religious freedom but the religious freedom for all people around the world. I believe the Church will continue to be a strong force to protect the rights of all men, women and children far, far into the future.”
Jeanetta Williams
National Board Member NAACP (National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People)
“Scientology has come a long way, and has grown in numbers. There are so many people of different types – and into different activities – art, human rights, rehabilitation and more. Obviously, it will last. It can be geared to individual interests, and even if the interests change, people can use the basic technology to adapt to new ones.”
Loretta Needle
BA, University of Toronto
“Scientology is a practical religious theology which embodies the technology of helping people discover themselves and at the same time to become aware of the evils that plague our society, such as the prevalent use of dangerous psychiatric drugs. The pastoral counseling program of Scientology puts man in touch with reality and enhances and strengthens his relationship with God and his fellow man.
“The beauty of Scientology is you don’t have to give up your religious upbringing to become a Scientologist. You can still remain in your original church. Scientology has a great future because it helps those who are in frustration and despair to shift their position to a helpful and useful one.
The late Rev. Dr. Leo Champion
Pastor Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“Having won legal recognition as a religion, I believe the Church of Scientology will gain acceptance in the community of the world’s religions as a distinctive combination of Eastern spirituality and Western pragmatism.”
Dr. Lonnie D. Kliever
Professor and Chair Department of Religious Studies
Southern Methodist University
“Like so many relatively new religions, the Church of Scientology has been forced to spend much of its time and resources fighting religious prejudice and prosecution. Despite those pressures, the Church has been a real force for good in the lives of many of its adherents and a champion of religious freedom.”
Robin Johansen
Attorney and Religious
Freedom Fighter
“I have observed the Church of Scientology over the past few decades. Its critics have come and gone. It has emerged victorious from struggles with powerful governmental institutions and with organized bigotry. In the wake of every controversy, the Church has grown and prospered. I have also had the opportunity to interact with ordinary Scientologists in everyday settings. I never fail to be impressed by the solidness, clarity and high ethical standards of Church members.
“Thus, at both an institutional and an individual level, Scientology has a strength of character that bodes well for its future. I would finally like to mention that the Church of Scientology has taken responsibility for the surrounding society. Critics never seem to find the room to mention the Church’s work in educational reform, in the fight against drugs, in the publicizing of medical abuse and in other areas of social reform. Thus Scientology continues to work toward a brighter future for all of us, and I, for one, wish the Church every success in its endeavors.”
Prof. James R. Lewis
Chairman, Department of Religious Studies
World University of America
“Scientology, as a movement, has firmly dedicated itself to advancing the cause of human rights for all people, regardless of race, color, creed or nationality. Scientologists not only speak out against social injustices they encounter, but take effective action to remedy them.
“I have fought for and marched for civil rights for nearly two decades. I know how much courage it takes to look into the face of oppression and take a stand against it. Members of the Church of Scientology are leading and winning the battle for religious rights.
“I am proud to stand together with Scientologists in this fight. I am sure Scientology will continue to come out on top and continue to be instrumental in creating a better world for all.”
Ernest Johnson, Esq.
President, NAACP
Louisiana State Conference
“Your Church’s noble principles of high ideals and ethical living along with the beliefs of accepting so many aspects of knowledge meets very close to the ideals of the American Institute of Islamic Studies. I find it a pleasure and privilege to reach out for common thoughts. The future looks so optimistic that we shall convey our common principles to the world side by side.”
Amir Gillani
President American Institute of Islamic Studies
Toronto, Canada
“It’s a new religion, and it will meet many difficulties. But Scientology stands on fine ground, and all resistance will be broken down”.
Harry Widemyr
Social Inspector
Sweden
“The mission of the Church of Scientology has a special importance for post-totalitarian countries.
“The experience of the Church of Scientology in building a community, and its technologies of spiritual training, can and already do play a significant role in creating a new spiritual foundation in places with nontotalitarian governments.”
Dr. Michael A. Sivertsev
Chairman for New Religions Board of Cooperation with Religious Organizations
Office of the Russian President
“I’ve always been impressed with the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard, because he was a man of multiple and comprehensive talents. As I understand Scientology, it incorporates a philosophy which is a way of living and tools for the betterment of the society. With those tools the coming millennium has tremendous promise and I think Scientology will be there as a guiding light.”
Senator Diane Watson
California State Senate
“Through its religious and educational initiatives, the Church of Scientology has established its place among the religions of South Africa. It is a therapeutic religion that diagnoses the problem of the human condition and provides specific techniques of spiritual healing and an applied religious philosophy designed to cure that problem. Although Scientology is often described as a “new religious movement” it actually is not new. In South Africa, as we have seen, Scientology has been present for forty years.
“As a religion that is both old and new, the Church of Scientology has continued to advance religious aspirations that have gained adherents all over the world. At the very least, the Church of Scientology merits continued recognition and attention as a religion in South Africa.”
David Chidester
Professor of Comparative Religion University of Cape Town,
South Africa
“The Church of Scientology is an important force in our society seeking to enhance the people’s ability to know what our government is doing, is not doing and why, and otherwise striving to enable citizens to make the government more accountable for its actions. I believe that in the future, when the need for such efforts will be more necessary, the Church’s role will be even stronger and more effective.”
Quinlan J. Shea
Former Senior Justice Department Official Director,
Center for Citizen Access to Government Information
“There are many Bible-believing Evangelicals and others in the established Christian community who have not yet accepted the Church of Scientology. Nevertheless, they should thank the Lord for them, because the Scientologists have fought a lot of battles that have helped protect and safeguard freedom for us all.
“Because of these efforts, Scientology is continuing to gain more and more acceptability among leaders in the religious community, and the Church has won most of its battles. However, while they are enjoying a breathing period, be assured there are a lot more battles to be fought, and won, down the road.”
Rev. Jim Nicholls
Producer of Voice of Freedom
Radio and TV Show
“Based on the time I’ve been in Hollywood and seen what the Church of Scientology has accomplished, all indications appear that the Church in the next five years will continue to make progress in the community, specifically as it relates to handling gang violence, graffiti, etc.
“The outreach achieved is significant and I think it is very positive. The Church continues to have faith and continues to help those in need of direction, upgrade their properties, and contribute to community development.”
Frank L. Buckley
Board Member
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
“With one of the most ambitious religious Internet sites ever created – the result of an international team of workers and thousands of hours of labor – the Church of Scientology has clearly established itself as a pioneer in the dissemination of its beliefs via the premiere communications medium of the twenty-first century. There is no doubt in my mind that on-line spiritual seekers will be challenged and informed by this vital work.
“At the same time, I believe Scientology’s trailblazing efforts in protecting the on-line rights of intellectual property owners will be of tremendous benefit to every writer as the years progress and as more and more information is published on-line.”
Mark A. Kellner
Author, God on the Internet
“It is inevitable that Scientology will expand because from my experience, the types of people I have met are walking advertisements for it. I think more and more people are looking for a practical philosophy.”
The Hon. Herbert Graham
Former Deputy Premier
Western Australia
“On the threshold of the twenty-first century Scientology will continue to grow and be very strong and effective in its impact around the world. They will continue to be admired for putting hands and feet to their beliefs. Their example in fighting for religious freedom will continue to inspire all other faith groups in the ongoing struggles for religious freedom. Keep on keeping on.”
Rev. William Solomon
Executive Minister
Metro Toronto Black Clergy Association
“I expect the Church of Scientology increasingly to contribute positively to interfaith understanding in a true spirit of dialogue. This will be a valuable and welcome development. Such cooperation and dialogue will, in itself, help to break down barriers and increase trust, and will produce a broad stream of people of faith and ethics seeking and working for world peace.”
Rev. Brian Cooper
Chairman, Christian Peace Conference
England
“I have personally seen the verve and vitality of Scientologists across Europe, revitalizing the cause of religious freedom as we approach the year 2000. I have observed their actualization of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its 50th Anniversary in 1998. Scientologists are bringing together human rights and religious groups in a concerted push to restore those rights that are a part of every nation that has signed the Universal Declaration.
“L. Ron Hubbard’s philosophy of human and spiritual freedom is helping to create a future where individuals and humanity will flourish in a world of freedom. Scientologists have already staked a claim for liberty, not only for themselves but for others as well. In bringing people together, the Scientologists are ensuring that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights forged in this century will only become stronger in the coming centuries.”
Irving Sarnoff
Founder
Friends of the United Nations
“Because the Church of Scientology has a legitimate philosophy on the human situation, it will endure. I see it outliving and speeding the demise of its main antagonist, the state-sponsored religion of psychiatry. Despite the current financial power of psychiatry and its ability to spread its dark message that man is but an animal, I believe the day will come when the Church of Scientology will be joined by other churches dancing on psychiatry’s coffin.”
Seth Farber, PhD
Executive Director
Network Against Coercive Psychiatry
“We, at the Bible Holiness Movement, have – over the years – been gratefully aware that the Church of Scientology has actively endeavored to express its committal to the God-given rights and liberties, including religious freedom, that are essential to society, and this with them has not been an abstract ideal but an essential practical effort along with other religious and concerned bodies of people.
“It is also good to have known personally of many instances when these Scientologists have acted on behalf of others who would differ with them, simply on the basis of principle and human compassion. Two instances come to mind, one where an Evangelical youth was under illegal effort to force a denial of faith in Christ, and the other of compassionate and effective effort in improving the lot of South African Black mental patients who were suffering vicious abuse in a form of virtual slavery.
“What of the future? It would be our hope and expectation that the Scientologists will continue in their social conscience and concern for human liberty.”
Wesley H. Wakefield
Bishop
General of the International Bible Holiness Movement
Source: WhatisScientology.org
