by Daniel Troit

Created on: February 05, 2009

In seeking to differentiate between cults and religions, one is simply attempting to separate religion from the extraordinary claims and practices of other systems of belief. In moving to classify Scientology as a cult, one is making an effort to imply that all of the peculiar and antisocial behaviors demonstrated by the group's members are somehow less legitimate than their own faith-based actions. In truth, all systems of belief making extraordinary claims contrary to reason are cults. Religions are simply cults that society has been forced to accept.

So why is it that Scientology is being singled out so fervently by Internet groups of semi-radical youth? Is it because of the danger that fictional beliefs present to the health and welfare of their holders? If that were the case, Scientology would hardly stand alone in criticism. In fact, our society has become more geared toward rational thought than ever before. The scientific breakthroughs of even the last fifty years have left little room for the fantastic and supernatural. Even has culture grows more critical in it's thinking, however, religions have sought to gain more and more influence in our lives. Through boycotts, lobbying, media ownership and legislation, certain religious parties have attempted to curtail the progress and liberty of some "non-traditional" lifestyles and disciplines. What has arisen as a result is a reactionary energy on behalf of the secular public against such interference. Scientology, as the most recent and non-traditional of religions is the easiest to attack and therefore the first.

Developing within the lifetimes of many still alive today, Scientology lacks the antiquity and holiness that religions often rely on. The destruction of such an institution would require no real rejection of legacy or break with tradition. After Scientology's demolition, the reactionary energy of the secular population will remain nevertheless persistent as it seeks to remove the undue influence of desire upon reason. Reaching back into time, such institutions as Mormonism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and others will require a more significant break with tradition and legacy. It is the fear of this break that gives itself away in the tone of those who seek to brand some fallacies cult and others religion.

At some point, culture comes to realize that the same criminal tendency to perpetuate coercion and fallacy may be found in both L.Ron Hubbard and the Pope. At our present place in history, the petty desire to call Scientology a cult instead of a religion signifies our lack of readiness to finally expel the liars and take up the mantle of truth as a genuine human value. I'll readily call Scientology a religion, just as I'll call each and every religion professing to have access to the supernatural a cult. It makes little difference to me. In the end, both words mean sucker.

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