I figured since Scientology is a religion, it would fit in this forum. If this is a dupe of another thread, I'm sorry, but I haven't seen anything like it.

So, what do you think about Scientology? Do you believe it? Do you think it's gibberish? Do you think it's a ploy for people to make money? Do you know anybody that believes in Scientology?

Anyways, I don't believe in Scientology. Since it was formed by L. Ron Hubbard (a pulp fiction author), I believe that it doesn't make any sense.

So what do you guys think?

I think it's the antithesis of Christianity. It opposes Christianity on every core belief. Additionally I think it is deceptive in not only its scam for money, but in that it in fact leads people away from God instead of towards Him.

Well it was founded four years after Hubbard made the statement, "I'd like to start a religion -- that's where the money is." And so he became a multimillionaire. Scientology is a self-oriented religion which teaches that there is no need for repentance, but to embrace your own goodness.

The basis of Scientology is the process of "auditing" which I would equate to the removal of "evil energy". Auditing is a lengthy process which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, in which if successful, you'll be free of the "evil energy", but I don't see what else you're getting from it.

A religion has to have a God, they just have a set of beliefs. It is clearly science fiction, i mean the founder was a science fiction writer, coincidence? obviously not, he even got busted many times for molesting children. What religion would, charge there members to learn about there beliefs? A religion which is a scam, which is only out to get your money. South Park got it spot on! Matt and Trey are 2 very brave men as scientology has a reputation for harassing people who publicly speak the obvious truth about there 'religion'. Scientology pressures people into becoming members by scaring them, being pushy and feeding on their insecurities. It is a 'religion' which has ruined many peoples lives, and put many people out of pocket, and they even give there members a one way ticket to hell, if you believe in hell

I think it's quite possibly the best scam ever made. I mean, it still is scamming people to this day. That crazy sci-fi author sure was a good conman.

yeah, this isn't a religion... it's a real-life sci-fi MMORPG that costs way too much money to play

It is disturbing that so many people have been sucked in by this. Although it always starts with some truth or anger about something unrelated and then slowly drawing people away.

I actually think Scientology is pretty interesting AS BOOKS, but as a cult-like religion, just no. A religion that is based on science fiction is just incredibly stupid and insane, and I can't believe how many people continuously get sucked into it.

geeogree : I think MMLARP is more appropriate.

jmc1097 : To me it´s the same with any other religion, be it Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or anything else I think it was all done by a series of fiction writers or writers who experienced something they could not explain like sleep paralysis and wrote books about their experiences and made up stories while they were at it.

The stories don´t even need to have been the same, there is a story in the Bible where 42 kids make fun of a bald prophets head and god summons up two bears that maul the 42 children to death, but that story may possibly just have started with some bald old man walking with some kid that suffered from a bear attack, and then as with rumors they build up on themselves and one bear becomes two, the child becomes 42 kids, the bald old man becomes a bald prophet of God and then it gets written into the Bible.

Obviously Scientology is more straight forward fiction but it doesn´t matter how straight forward it is, fiction is fiction (note that this is just my opinion and the point I´m getting across here is that to others the two religions are very similar when it comes to being valid).

I don't believe In It but it's Interesting.I don't think they have killed many people like most other relgions have so I guess they can believe In what they want. Talking and praying to an Imaginary person to solve all of your problems instead of doing it yourself seems like a strange concept to me. If a relgion Is practiced (I mean practice what you preach instead of hypocrisy) for peace and the advancement the human race then go for It. I don't know why people find Scientology such a strange religion. Look at the common relgions today, there Is some strange stuff right there.

Golvellius : It's not even close to a religion. Just a cult. It harms people mentally. All religions get turned around the wrong way, but this one was always a cult. I mean, you pay for crap... That doesn't even sound like a search for peace. Just a scam. The personality test also always gives the same answers.

Personally, I feel that it is a cult and a scam. Then again, almost every religion started as a cult of some kind. My cousin got sucked into it, and am not sure if she ever really did get free but she talks to us now, so I dunno.

Now, if I am not mistaken, it is considered a religion under the First Amendment because it meets all criteria for a church (not 100% sure, but 90%). But seriously... Xenu? Really? The whole thing is a crock.

tRIUNE : Did L. Ron Hubbard actually follow his own religion or was he a Christian?

pi0x : To the best of my knowledge, Hubbard was never a Christian. As for him following his own religion, I'd say that he was a firm believer in his own philosophies.

From what I researched, Scientology was based off a Science fiction book. I think it's total bs [, period].

KlawedFlaw : That's your opinion. They probably think Christianity is a cult. Your opinion is no better then there's. All relgion is based around money.

the_casualty : i believe people should respect other belief's,opinions and other stuff

Golvellius : Sure, some religions are based around money, however, Christianity is not--in fact, the Bible discusses this to the effect that false teachers will use the gospel of Christ as a means of gain (1 Timothy 6:3-10).

Tithing.

Golvellius : Okay, yeah--exactly--tithing. Some "Christian" churches are motivated by tithing. True Christianity however does not 'require' tithing. In the Old Testament times the law of Moses required it, Christ however, nailed those requirements to His cross--meaning that we are not able to fully uphold the law of Moses because of our flawed nature. In fact the Bible says God likes a cheerful giver, which would mean He's displeased with those who give out of 'requirement' (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Well I'm glad i disagree with God on that one.

Sorry if I offend anyone, but I think Scientology is complete gibberish, a disgusting mind warping, depression inducing, life ruining, money grabbing plot. The higher ups literally sign their souls over in a one billion year contract of servitude to the church. You can find out all the dirty secrets and the truth about scientology here. (links offsite to ex scientology kids, blame me and not vizzed if something goes wrong)