Scientology - what is it really?

I remember driving through Minneapolis one day and noticing a very large and ornate structure downtown that stood out to me. After all, architecture photography is one of my hobbies. I noticed a big sign on the front of the building that said “Scientology.” My enthusiasm was somewhat damped, but my curiosity took off from there.

As someone who speaks regularly on Christianity, I spend a lot of time comparing it to other religions, especially when they try to use Christian-sounding words and phrases or outright say they're "compatible" with the Christian faith. Let's figure out if it is, shall we?

Well, after digging into the information, there’s some doubt as to whether Scientology is a true religion. The Holman Christian Standard Bible (Apologetics version) says Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard initially sought admission for the movement into the American Psychological Association. After being rejected for membership in the APA, Hubbard then began framing it as a religion.

Hubbard wasn’t a self-proclaimed religious guru of any kind. He was a science fiction writer when he founded Scientology. Even though his parents weren’t religious, Hubbard was exposed to a lot of Eastern religions, New Age Thought, and various spiritistic groups.

Ever wonder why Scientology attracts so many famous people? We mentioned Tom Cruise, and there’s John Travolta, his late wife, Kelly Preston, actress Elisabeth Moss, actor Michael Pena, and many others. They can afford to be Scientologists.

Gotquestions.org says every aspect of Scientology has some sort of fee associated with it. That’s a big reason the “church’s” pews are filled with the uber-rich.

Michael Pena, Tom Cruise, Danny Masterson, and Elizabeth Moss

But enough of that. Let’s get into the specifics. The “divine” books, “Dianetics” as well as “The Factors,” and “The Axioms and Logics” all teach that man is an immortal being called a Thetan and not originally from this planet. Man is also trapped by matter, energy, space, and time (MEST). Salvation comes through a process called “auditing,” whereby “engrams” are removed. Engrams are basically memories of past pain and unconsciousness that create energy blockage.

Auditing is a lengthy process and can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. When all engrams are finally removed, the Thetan can once again control MEST instead of being controlled by it. Until salvation, each Thetan is constantly reincarnated.

Scientology does mention God, but they place their stress mainly on an individual’s ability to gain “godlike qualities” and become “full cause” over the universe. My question is a simple one.

Dating back to the beginning of the Earth, who was the first one who wanted to replace God as the ruler of the universe? Satan. You must question any religion that elevates man to the same level as God. Elevate is typically religious-speak for replacing.

Though Scientology claims to be compatible with Christianity, it’s not. The Bible counters every belief they hold to. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign and only Creator of the Universe (Genesis 1:1); mankind was created by God (Genesis 1:27); the only salvation available to men and women is a gift of God through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:8).

Speaking of Jesus, Scientology claims Jesus was simply a good teacher who was wrongfully put to death. The Bible says Jesus is the Son of the Most High God. This is not compatible in any way, shape, or form.

Scientology believes in reincarnation and that personal salvation in one’s lifetime is freedom from the cycle of birth and death associated with reincarnation. They believe that religious practices of all faiths are the universal way to wisdom, understanding, and salvation. The Bible teaches there is only one way of salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The teachings of Scientology and the Bible have little, if anything, in common. While sometimes disguising itself in Christian-sounding language, Scientology diametrically opposes Christianity in every core belief. Scientology is clearly not Christian.