by Rosa Lee

Created on: February 08, 2009   Last Updated: May 10, 2009

Amusingly, Dictionary.com has the same definitions for "religion" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion) as it does for "cult." However, the term "cult" is usually used to describe followers of an exclusive sect who "live outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader." (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cult)

Scientology doesn't seem to fall into that category. Recently, every Church of Scientology participated in a worldwide challenge to make sure every single library on earth had copies of the Dianetics and Scientology books. Their doors are open to the public with videos, CD's, handbooks, pamphlets, and books available to anyone who wishes to venture in. These are definitely not the actions of a group trying to exclude outsiders.

In fact, the Church of Scientology has established the Volunteer Ministers program to aid the public and have been praised widely for their disaster relief efforts during 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, and hundreds of less publicized disasters across the globe. They have extended art centers, education facilities and literacy programs. Both internationally renown organizations, Criminon and Narcanon are based in Scientology. The Way to Happiness Foundation is non-religious code of ethics to help support and encourage the growth and survival of Man, while the Citizens Commission on Human Rights works tirelessly around the world to make sure the basic human rights such as, the right to democracy, the freedom from slavery and torture, and the right to an education are available to all people around the world.

Scientologists also do not live in little reclusive communities. Instead, they are around you every day. They can be found in health-related jobs, government positions, business management, art and entertainment, and even bringing aid to the less fortunate and disaster-crippled areas of the world.

Another indicator of a cult is that all cult followers must have blind and unwavering faith in the cult and its leader. Scientology is often accused of "brainwashing" their followers. The methods used to brainwash a person include of isolation, food and sleep deprivation, degradation, acts of violence/cruelty and the denial of a person's reality (http://www.heart-2-heart.ca/men/page3.html). Such activities are against the principles of Scientology.

One of the fundamentals of Scientology is, "That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true." (http://www.scientology.org/religion/presentation/pg0 06.html)

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>