Church of Scientology - Fraud and Religion

Church of Scientology. Randall Niles reviews the recent fraud conviction from France and its possible implications for other religions, movements, and belief systems throughout the world.

The Church of Scientology International was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954. Based principally on his book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950), Hubbard created a religious institution to promote his unique psychological theories. Organizations associated with Scientology include Applied Scholastics, Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), Citizens Commission on Human Rights, Concerned Businessmen of America, Hubbard Dianetics Centers, Narconon/Criminon, Religious Technology Center, Sterling Management Systems, and The Way to Happiness Foundation. Publishing ventures include New Era Publications, Bridge Publications, Inc., and Freedom magazine.

The Church of Scientology sprouted from the creative genius of Lafayette Ronald Hubbard. Born in 1911, he spent much of his childhood on his grandfathers Montana ranch while his parents served abroad in the U.S. Navy. During the 1920s, Hubbard started to visit his parents in Asia, where he was introduced to Taoism, Buddhism, and other eastern philosophies.

Hubbard later developed a career as a science fiction writer and claimed to have explored the world. He allegedly received near fatal wounds in World War II, and developed his unique theories of science and philosophy while healing. These discoveries were later revealed to the public in his book, Dianetics.

In 1954, Hubbard formed the Church of Scientology to promote his ideas and techniques as a religious movement. His books and church spread worldwide, while Hubbard became a secretive recluse. He died in 1986, after spending most of his last years traveling around quietly on his yacht.

The Church of Scientology has been called a "thriving cult of greed and power. . .a ruthless global scam. . ." (Time magazine, May 1991). It has also been declared a "dangerous cult. . .a racket disguised as a religion. . ." (Reader's Digest, October 1991).

Scientology always seems find its way into the popular media. If its not a multi-million-dollar lawsuit, its a famous personality making a controversial statement. All we know is that Hubbard was an absolute genius. He was a fantastic speaker and prolific writer who sold millions of books and made millions of dollars by creating and marketing his own religion. In 1949, L. Ron Hubbard was quoted as saying, "If a man wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." Well, it seems that Mr. Hubbard proved himself right.

The Church of Scientology and its recent fraud case in France brings up an important discussion for all of us. Voltaire said that he might hate someone's idea, but he'd die for their right to express it. That freedom of speech and freedom of religion are huge liberties that none of us should take lightly. For more, please visit http://www.allaboutreligion.org/church-of-scientology.htm

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[dasboatbabe]

Scientology ABUSES and crimes have to be stopped.

They can believe in marshmallow horses in party hats if they want... but they abuse their membes in the Sea Org and hold information of their member's in files, which they will bring out and expose if they speak out against Scientology.

Reserach the Sea Org abuses and then tell me this is a "church" looking out for it's members.

They have done many illegal things in the past and continue, so why are they still tax exempt?

They are a cult

[hotscubagreg]

May be the fact that you have to pay for every level makes it a business. It's not rocket science. Does anyone know of a religion that make you work or pay to learn more about that religion? Thanks Greg

[frans1012]

how is this any different to any other religion?

[DanishCartoonist100]

Stop attacking Koresh; the media totally lied about Koresh. 

[DanishCartoonist100]

If you can prove the preachers lied to hook people into their religion, then it should be considered a fraud.

[MHuwCarr]

It is interesting that many theists state their 'right' to believe what they wish but don't consider the rights of those you do not wish themselves (or innocents such as children) to be subjected out-dated belief systems not based on verifiable data or critical analysis. Spend a small time examining the Bible and you discover a 'creator' who is a genocidal, rascist misogynistic, homophobic bully with a severe personality disorder. What are my rights to defend people from that?

[RickWolff]

Okay, here's an idea. Any contract, past present or future, that holds any party to terms beyond death is invalid.

[patyxxx]

im catholic and i havent given any money to my church in like 10 years

[metrx330]

Have to disagree. If Jim Jones was done for fraud (which he clearly commited by staging fraudulant miracles) Jonestown might never have happened. The same applies to Koresh, Applewhite and Aum group who staged the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo underground back in 95. The price for US tax exemption is that religious organisations provide all or the vast majority of its services for free or by voluntary donation. scientology does not fall into this category.

[AgentxAnonymous]

This is the most ridiculous arguement I've ever heard. The cult of scientology is pure fucking evil.It kills people. It enslaves people literally

[122boxer]

It's an evil cult

[hannahunney]

and why is this bad?