by V R Rutledge

Created on: October 20, 2010

Before we can determine an answer to the question "Is Scientology a Religion?" we must first agree on a definition of Religion.  Webster's has defined religion as follows,

"1. the service and worship of God or the supernatural

2. : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance

3. : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices

4. archaic : scrupulous conformity "

    By the first definition, Scientology fails completely, as it does not contain "God" or  "The Supernatural".  The second definition also fails due to the popular connotation of religious faith and observances.  It fails on the third definition because of a lack of formalized practices, even though its attitudes and beliefs are certainly institutionalized. By the archaic definition it could be said to be a religion, but one must allow the internal protestations of its members to forestall such an obvious valuation.  Members of Scientology will stress that is it not a cult and that they, the members, have complete free will.

    When we look at a religion, that is a system of beliefs that is not necessarily supported by science, (a religion itself to some), we must realize that true religion is both cultural and philosophical, having a personal and social aspect. A Religion will affect the life of its members and will exert a force of change in society as a whole.  Pilgrims had a religion which limited their activities personally and yet created a strong social group that greatly contributed to the 'protestant work ethic' which caused the United States to become such a powerful political body.   The effect of Hinduism and Buddhism on India and Southeast Asia is obvious, from diet to politics. No one can dispute the effect of Islam on the world, even though many would confuse the violence with the religion. In short, Scientology lacks a Credo, or a structure that would allow it to change Society.  Societal changes accomplished by the existence of Scientology would seem, at present, to be confined to the actions of individuals, not any force exerted by the organization.

    The use of the title "The Church of Scientology " is thus misleading, since there are few places called 'Scientology Churches'' , where services are held and the faithful sing the praises of 'going clear' or 'being Thetan'. Instead, we find a system of courses, registration, and systematic education toward a commonly held world view. The validity of this view must be judged by each of us individually, remembering that ancient peoples believed that the earth resided on the back of a giant Turtle.  Whatever your opinion of the Organization, Scientology is not yet a religion, although it is moving rapidly in the direction of that classification, with only a short distance to cover.

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