Is Scientology a religion, a business, or is it about mind control?

bobcat

bobcat

Well-known Member
Location
Northern Calif
My understanding is a bit fuzzy, but they do have some spiritual belief that centers on the idea that human beings are immortal spiritual entities.
However, in many ways, it's run more like a business than traditional religion. You have to purchase courses that can cost tens of thousands of dollars over time. Their recruiters even get a 10% commission from what I understand, and it seems like many of its operational strategies mirror those of a profit-driven corporation. Meanwhile much of the operation is even shielded from it's members.

In other ways, they want their members to cut ties with any outsiders who don't support the organization (Including family), and also members are discouraged from reading any outside materials. From what I've read, it's easier to get in than to get out.

Interestingly, after a decades-long legal battle with the IRS, the Church was officially recognized as a tax-exempt religious organization. Apparently, they have a very robust legal organization, and lots of money.
 

IrishEyes said:
So many answers to this question based on perspectives, knowledge, loyalty to them or to another.
Does anyone really know the true facts about anything OR have we ever really?
I can only say, my feeling is, it's not for me.
Click to expand...
I suppose because it is so secretive, probably the only open door is the testimonies of those who have been there and left, for whatever reason, although, I think some have even faced legal repercussions and harassment from disclosing too much. I would think our constitution would ensure freedom of speech, but perhaps members have to sign legal agreements when they join up.
 
bobcat said:
I suppose because it is so secretive, probably the only open door is the testimonies of those who have been there and left, for whatever reason, although, I think some have even faced legal repercussions and harassment from disclosing too much. I would think our constitution would ensure freedom of speech, but perhaps members have to sign legal agreements when they join up.
Click to expand...
In the LDS Church there are ceremonies preformed that you promise never to disclose but nothing is signed, more like an oath to God.
When some leave the church they have spoken about them but I can't say it is a mind controlling thing. Some may prefer to say it is, to benefit their view. I have heard Scientology is much stricter on some things within the church.
Their are those pious self righteous personalities in all religious groups that get more focused on then those, just trying to find their fit/niche and lead a better life. I really take interviews the same way I take gossip, there are more than one side to a story and people will grab out of those stories what they want to believe. (I was a LDS member for 5 years. Then I changed wards due to a move and I learned not all wards are the same and that a church is only as good as the people in them.) I don't regret having been a member but I have my own personal reasoning for leaving.
 
Wow. I was curious as to how the organization was granted the tax-exempt status, and apparently it was a rather bloody battle. I guess it was originally granted and then revoked back in the 60's or 70's because funds were used for the benefit of founder L. Ron Hubbard, and was operated as a business. After that, the church launched a massive campaign against the IRS, including over 2,500 lawsuits. Then they engaged in infiltration, espionage, and harassment of the IRS. As a result, some church officials were convicted.

After that, a settlement was reached and the church had to pay 12.5 million in outstanding tax liabilities, and they had to drop all litigation. However, they managed to gain back the tax-exempt status, even though the organization is still run like a business. Maybe, at some point the IRS just gave up rather than fight over 2,500 lawsuits. Perhaps it was the less expensive option.

​

 
Back in the 80's I picked up a copy of "Dianetics" at a used book store for about a dime and started to read it. I didn't get very far into it before I decided that this L. Ron Howard dude was a snake oil salesman.
 
The Church of Scientology follows the teaching of Ron Hubbard. Does it include the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Bible? I don't think so but I am not sure.

I have heard that it costs money to progress in Hubbard's teaching. Eventually coming to the perfection of his teachings and know your own divinity.?
 
I was at a local county fair about 10 years ago. Some kids in their late teens were being engaged by some very persistent Scientologists who were obviously looking to bring them into the tribe.

I tapped one of the boys on the shoulder and said, "Dude, what are you doing? Don't you guys watch South Park?" He laughed (no doubt surprised that a women in her 60s watched that show) and said, "Yeah, we do." Grabbed his buddy, saying "Let's go." and walked away without further ado. The Scientologists stared daggers at me.

I've known Scientologists, even worked with one who eventually was fired for repeatedly proselytizing at work despite being warned against it. She was always trying to recruit new members. The more I've known about this "religion" the farther from it I've wanted to be.

They are a powerful, controlling cult.
 
Is Christianity a business, a religion, or is it about mind control. 🤔

Scientology isn’t for me.

I did read Dianetics many years ago and there was some interesting stuff in it.

One that I remember was the idea of ‘clearing’ words that you do not understand before moving forward. The idea being that if you misunderstood the meaning you may be unable to grasp the ideas being expressed by the writer.

I suppose all religious groups, cults, etc… are only as good as the people involved and their interpretation of the message being spread.
 
Last edited:
bobcat said:
You have to purchase courses that can cost tens of thousands of dollars over time.
Click to expand...
Absolutely true. Many members go deep into debt.

The other thing is that during members' processes of "going clear," they reveal highly personal details of past traumas to Scientology "auditors," who now have all manner of blackmail material against them.

In hopes of healing negative thoughts, members unwittingly provide the "church" with precise information about exactly how to intimidate and manipulate members who decide to leave the religion. Family and friends must "disconnect" aka shun those who leave.

Ugh...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top