Is scientology cult or religion?

By definition, Scientology is a cult and a religion. To be fair, cult is just another word for religion.

It was L. Ron Hubbard who said "If you want to make some money, write a book. If you want to make a lot of money, start a religion."

I like researching, it's a fun hobby of mine. However, when i came across the above quote, it became very difficult for me to continue researching without that bias.

Too bad, scientology! I know lots of practicing scientologists, since i live in the HQ of the religion. They seem fine to me. But they're very defensive about their faith. I won't insult them by saying they're in a cult.

What defines a religion, anyway? Christians believe in a story written 2,000 years ago, Scientologists believe in a story written a few decades ago. Honestly, what's the difference? Christianity is Microsoft, and Scientology is some upstart software company that can't find its voice because Microsoft is just too damned loud.

What exactly is the real difference between a cult and a religion? It's hisortical fact that all mainstream religions today were once viewed as 'cults' by definition. In my perspective all religions are cults. I realize that mainstream religion uses the term cult in a derogatory manner, but they too were once regarded as cults by the pagan religions that existed in their day or what ever belief system had the greatest influence. I would think it's more accurate anyway since a cult is sort of pointing to the -culture- and mannerisms associated to that belief system; in the end there is only one realization that I see...and that is that the only cool cults that ever existed and will exist are UFO/Alien cults..also not to be a blasphemer, the FSM cult.

Generally speaking a cult can be defined two ways... as a small sect or following within a religion... for example the cult of the Virgin Mary within Catholicism... in this definition both the People's Temple and the Branch Davidians at Waco would be considered a cult within Christianity.

The other definition of cult is that of a small religious group (as part of or separate of an organized religion) that is characterized by adherence to a strong leader, closed and insular with a strong group identity that both resents outsiders and seeks converts, has a tendency to harass members who seek to leave and seeks to control every aspect of their devotee's lives. Such cults rarely survive its leaders but those who do tend to maintain the characteristics of a cult. For example Scientology... even Mormonism tends to behave more like a large cult than it does an organized religion.

The primary difference between a cult and religion is that a religion transcends its origins and aspires to speak of matters universal though almost all religions start as cults or sects, no true religion remains that way.

LOL, the Scientologist in Hollywood are so jaded, they'd believe in an Intergalactic War.

Last July when I visited a friend in Cali, we stopped by the gates of the Los Angeles Chapter Scientology building so I could take a comical MySpace pic, and they actually had MEN IN BLACK wearing dark shades and an ear piece try to intimidate us into leaving the premisce.

They had a Red Carpet rolled from the gate to the entrance of the building, and a bunch of people looking like "Agent Smith" from the Matrix movies surrounding the place.

I laughed because I found it all funny...meaning that I thought it was a costume convention, but my friend got scared and walked away. I told the Men in Black that the sidewalk belongs to the state and is public domain. I know the law and I can stand where ever I want...but I didnt wanna cause unneccessary trouble.

They believe in an Alien race and have Men in Black acting like their Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. No wonder everybod laughs at them. What next, George Lucas starting a Star Wars religion and say "Believe in Yoda. Through the Force, he can save you." I GUARANTEE their are some fools in the world who would join.

I have nothing against Scientology...believe in whatever, but the people in the Hollywood Chapter are insane and have watched WAY too many Science Fiction Films. Tom Cruise, Jenna Elfman, Leah Remini and the on again/off again J-Lo are all pushers of Scientology and wll bite your head off if you question what Scientology is.

You gotta Stand for something, or you'll Fall for anything.

[edit on 15-5-2007 by Judaz_Escariot]

I watched both docos..
Pretty interesting, I think both sides have done a few unethical things.
I didn't study and take notes of anything, but

- The fact the scientologists put out a video ruthlessly discrediting sweeny is exactly what people say scientology does.
- The footage the scientologists used of things such as sweeny purposely turning up to places he knows he won't get an interview at, i dont rememeber that footage in the BBC doco.
- Sweeny did not show the celebrity interview footage, scientologists did. I guess we know why.
- Scientologists make no mention of the following and stalking of their members of sweeny. Sweeny makes a big note of it.
- Tommy doesn't act like someone who's very enlightened or peaceful. In fact he's pretty damn creepy and annoying. The results of scientology?

I dont know how many facts the Scientologists twisted or distorted in their doco. If it's all true, it's a major failing on Sweenys part. But i suspect major fact distortion on their end.

I also see quite biased journalism on Sweenys end.

The same question is being asked here
Is Scientology A Religion or a Secret Cuilt/Society

Please debate the issue in the earlier thread.

Closed.