What is Scientology?

I have asked, and Pastor Rice has graciously allowed me, to teach each 5th Wednesday. When there are 5 Wednesdays in a month, I will have the opportunity to teach on the 5th Wednesday. I use questions generated from the congregation for the topic of study.
On March 30, 2005, we initiated our first 5th Wednesday Q & A session and I received many interesting questions. I will use various Challenger articles to address some of these questions. If you have questions, about any topic, please feel free to write them down and mail them to me via the church, or bring them in on a 5th Wednesday. Additionally, if you feel my answer is inadequate, or in error, please let me know that too.

The question for this issue: “What is Scientology?” The basis for my information comes from several sources. I try to gain the root information from the cults themselves. I will also add information from other Christian sources, as well as my own commentary.
Scientology is best described by the Scientology website: (My comments look like this.)
Scientology information looks like this. (Bold words are highlighted for attention)
From www.scientology.org
Q: What does Scientology mean?
A: The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “know” or “distinguish,” and from the Greek word logos which means “reason itself” or “inward thought.” Thus it means the study of wisdom or knowledge. It means knowing how to know. Scientology, however, is defined as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life. (Notice the total lack of God, Jesus Christ, Sin, Salvation, Bible, etc. This is man’s religion by man, for man, about man, centered on man. One man invented this religion.)
Q: What is Scientology about?
A: Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and of one’s relationship with self, family, groups, mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being, or infinity. (This religion is conceived by and developed by Hubbard. This one man invented this religion without God’s Word or God’s Salvation. From his limited perspective he plans on telling you your true spiritual nature? Get real. Notice how he uses the term “all life forms,” he believes in aliens from other planets. He does not say that here but he does in other writings. Also notice how he used the term “Supreme Being” on an equal basis as “infinity.” He does not believe in the God of the Bible.)
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are:
Þ Man is an immortal spiritual being.
Þ His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. (They teach Reincarnation)
Þ His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized. (They teach that you are God.)
Þ Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. (If man is “basically good” why do children do wrong from the beginning? Children will lie, steal, hurt others even if they are only taught good. “For all have sinned.” The Bible says man is sinful and is wicked prior to Salvation. Man can not save himself. Sinfulness can not become Holy without Christ.)
Þ Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to believe anything on faith. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by applying its principles (by faith) and observing or experiencing the results. (“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Faith is absolutely necessary. Even the Scientology people want you to have faith in Hubbard and what he says. This Scientology statement is clearly a lie.)

“The Kingdom of the Cults” by Dr. Walter Martin is a wonderful book for understanding the cults. Scientology is a cult and must be treated as one. If you know someone involved with Scientology, please help them to get out and get connected to Christ. To be on the mailing list for the monthly, free, "Challenger" newsletter, please call us at the church (1-314-544-2200) mention this blog and we will be glad to add your name to the list.