Photo by Joe Futrelle
Today, I read an online article in the Washington Post entitled: Is Scientology a religion? by Janet Reitman. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/is-scientology-a-religion/2011/07/17/gIQATEnSKI_blog.html. As the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Tennessee, I am constantly confronted with questions like, “is Christian Science the same as Scientology? or “do you know Tom Cruise?” I hear questions like this so often that I sometimes start my conversations with newspaper reporters or legislators by saying “now, I know you know Christian Science is not Scientology.” I can tell by the looks on their faces that they probably think they are one and the same. However, the only thing alike is that the names sound similar.
In the article, Ms. Reitman states in the second paragraph that there is no God in Scientology. Christian Scientists believe in a supreme God. The religion, Christian Science, is based on a set of spiritual principles or laws relating to the nature of God and His creation, that can be applied to any situation with an expection of a good outcome. Christian Science is based on the Bible and specifically the teachings and healing ministry of Christ Jesus.
There is no “positive thinking” in Christian Science because that suggests relying on a human mind to to get a good result. Christian Science starts with God and the conviction that God’s goodness embraces each of us, all the time. The article also suggests that Scientology is a cult. That is another great difference between Christian Science and Scientology. In Christian Science, there is no brainwashing, mind control or blind following of a leader. Christian Scientists do have a deep respect and appreciation for the Discoverer and Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, but they do not worship or deify her. Also, Christian Scientists are independent thinkers. And, the churches are run democratically by all members with no clergy or heirarchy.
For more information about Christian Science, please check out http://christianscience.com/. And, the next time you hear that Christian Science is the same as Scientology, you will know the two are far from the same!
in left field
If I had enough coffee in me, I bet I could blow up one of those Scientology doohickeys with my mind… You don’t get rich writing science fiction. If u want 2 get rich, u start a religion.- L.Ron Hubbard, sci-fi writer
Charity begins at home.
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Twitter is CSinTennessee. Facebook is Christian Sciencetenn. Thanks!
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To the editor of Christian Science in Tennessee,
Thank you for pointing out the difference between scientology and Christian Scientists. It is a very important distinction. Although Scientology officials will tell you their “religion” is compatible with Christianity, nothing could be further from the truth. Their founder, L Ron Hubbard, in fact ridicules Jesus in their Advanced levels (Called “OT” or Operating Thetan), and claims Jesus and the Cross never existed.
Scientology has its roots in Aleister Crowley’s black magick. It’s sole purpose is to dominate and control everything and everyone around them. In fact, they regard themselves as “Homo-Novis” (which is suppose to be a super human being). They consider everyone who is not a scientologist, to be inferior. Their object is to “Clear
the Planet” – which essentially means that they will indoctrinate everyone with Scientology – and if anyone refuses to accept scientology policies- then they will be “disposed of, quietly, and without sorrow”.
Germany has recognized Scientology for what it is, a dangerous totalitarian cult which threatens democracy. Hungary has also outlawed Scientology in their country for similar reasons. In France, scientology was convicted of fraud in 2009. In Australia, scientology is currently being investigated for kidnapping, false imprisonment, protecting a pedophile, stalking & harassing former members, blackmail, fraud, assault & battery, etc……
Hopefully, our Congress will finally realize what other countries have already figured out, that scientology is a dangerous cult. Senate/House hearings need to be held to investigate the multitude of crimes which hundreds of ex-members and ex-employees have come forward to expose.
Thanks so much for your comments about the article about Christian Science is not Scientology. We will have to continue to work to spread the word. I am constantly amazed that people don’t make the distinction. I have even had friends who know that I rely on prayer to God for all my needs ask me (sheepishly) if this is the same as Scientology. I guess we correct the mistakes one person at a time. Again, Thanks for stopping by the site and for your excellent comments!
Debbie Chew