Challenging: Scientology

The Church of Scientology is a controversial, relatively new religion developed by L. Ron Hubbard as an extension of his earlier psychological theories of Dianetics. Drawing on ideas from Buddhist and Hindu religious philosophy, science fiction, and Western concepts in psychology and science, L. Ron Hubbard produced a religion that sees all human beings as immortal spirits (thetans) who have forgotten their identity and become deceived by the very universe they mentally emanated in order to amuse themselves. Scientology claims it can free the thetan to realize his or her true nature and powers through certain controversial procedures that allegedly heal the mind and free the spirit." - From "Is Scientology Compatible With Christianity?" by John Weldon


The Church of Scientology is a commercial enterprise that masquerades as a religion, and that increasingly acts like a hate group. Scientology has a long history of hate and harassment activities, which - along with lying and deception - are condoned and encouraged in the cult's own "scriptures." This is why Apologetics Index classifies the organization as a hate group. (Please see: Church of Scientology)

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there's a major fundamental problem with the L. Ron Hubbard-founded Church of Scientology: Scientologists believe they're little gods.

The "religion" is based exclusively upon Hubbard's research, writings and recorded lectures - all of which constitute the scriptures of the religion.

Like so many other religions around the world, Scientology completely misses the mark. Its concept is totally transparent in that it caters to the "Me" people who idolize only themselves and the almighty dollar. Scientologists believe man is in control of himself and his environment; there is no God, per se -- just a "Supreme Being" whom they do not worship; man is an immortal spiritual being who is basically good and righteous; his experience extends well beyond a single lifetime; and his capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.

This ideology would certainly prompt the following questions for Christian believers:

  • Since L. Ron Hubbard's words are "scripture," is he also "the Supreme Being?" Did he die for you to give you eternal salvation? If not, how do you really know you're "saved?" Are you willing to risk your soul for that belief?

  • You mention the word "God" in your creed, specifying that the laws of God forbid man to destroy his own kind, etc. Does this mean that you believe that God created you? If so, why do you adhere to the "scripture" of L. Ron, instead of the words of God Himself?
  • If you believe God created you, why do you refuse to "bow down" to Him?

  • If you believe in a Supreme Being, why does your religion focus totally on "self?" Why would a "Supreme Being" create people who care nothing about the Creator?

  • Included in one of the "Church's" goals is your desire to "free the world from declining moral values." In the 40 years of the existence of the Church of Scientology, can you honestly say you have made a moral impact on the world? If so, how come we are more decadent than ever, and how come most of this decadence is perpetrated by your own followers comprised largely of Hollywood movie and television stars?

The entire religion is man-made and based upon "self." How can that possibly answer the questions of "Who am I?", "Where did I come from?", "What is the meaning of life?", and "What happens when I die?" The only viable response is, man could NOT have created himself, and therefore HAD to be created by God. Who am I and where did I come from? I am a child of God, created in His own image. Period. What happens when I die? Depending on my choice (the God-given choice to believe or not to believe that Jesus died in exchange for my sins), I will either go to heaven or hell -- as is clearly outlined in the Bible. My soul will not wander around waiting to invade another's body.

Given man's selfish nature, it is not surprising that those who follow the concept of Scientology have chosen to allow a human being to dictate their beliefs and doctrines (although human thoughts, activities, and "religions" have gotten our world into trouble time and time again -- to wit: Hitler, Stalin, Mlosovic, the KKK, David Koresh, Jim Jones, etc.). Man has several times brought this world to the brink of extinction. When will he realize he cannot govern himself without the guidance of God?

God warns us against "human thinking" throughout the Bible:

1 Corinthians 2:13-15: But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

Colossians 2:7-9: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:21-23: These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

Colossians 2: 8-10: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Scientology dictates that mankind can only achieve spiritual salvation by following Scientology and the path it outlines. The Bible says otherwise:

John 14:5-7: Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Along that same vein God said:

Exodus 22:19-21: Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed...

Exodus 20:2-4: You shall have no other gods before me.

Matthew 16:23-25: Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Deuteronomy 6:13-15: Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you...

Scientology espouses, "A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights, are the aims of Scientology." In the 40 years of the church's existence, can they honestly say they've done away with war or criminals? If anything, we have more of both! In the existence of mankind, there have only been about three hundred years of peace. Man simply cannot live together without fighting. Like God says, it's our nature. That "love thy neighbor" thing will never happen the way it's supposed to until Jesus returns. (Although, since followers of Scientology are in charge of themselves and the environment, perhaps they can stop it?)

Scientologists also insist "there is no aspect of life that cannot be improved through the application of Scientology principles." Really? Then how come Hollywood's finest are committing some major sins (according to GOD's laws) and doing their level best into leading others astray (i.e., homosexuality is okay now-never mind that God repeatedly calls it an abomination; marriage is temporary and divorces are the norm now-never mind that God hates divorce; cussing is okay now-never mind that God commands us to keep our mouths clean; murder is okay if you're the product of past abuse or whatever-never mind that He commands us to not kill; getting rich and/or famous by hook or by crook is okay now-never mind that we are commanded not to have false idols, etc., etc.).

"Man is in control of himself and his environment?" Not, according to God:

Exodus 4:10-12: The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Deuteronomy 7:3-5: ...for they will turn your sons away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD's anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.

Genesis 24:25-27: Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD...

Romans 14:10-12: For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD."

Scientology teaches that man is immortal. Here's what God says:

Genesis 6:2-4: Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years."

Scientology teaches that man is basically good and righteous. God says differently:

Genesis 6:4-6: The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.

This "religion" is totally man-made and is therefore invalid, according to God's Scripture. Scientology is no better than most of the world's other religions-like them, Scientologists are doing nothing but spreading Satan's lies! What they are touting is nothing short of blasphemy.

Scientology has gained so much popularity, in short, because it's strictly "me" oriented; it allows everyone to do their own thing; and, no one has to follow God's rules. One can only pray that the followers of this totally man-made religion will allow the God of the universe to open their spiritual eyes and allow them to see the reality of John 12:35: "...The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going."


(For more detailed information about Scientology, please see: Church of Scientology.)