6.13 Is Scientology a cult?
Description
This article is from the Scientology Catechism, by scninfo@pcnet.com (Scientology Information Server) with numerous contributions by others.
6.13 Is Scientology a cult?
Assuming that modern usage of the word 'cult' implies an
elite secrecy and unthinking zealotry, then consider
this: Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the
world today. The materials that comprise Scientology
scriptures are fully codified, broadly published and
available to anyone. Churches and missions are open to
the public seven days a week. Anyone can come in for a
tour and see for himself what the Church is all about.
Scientology is unique in that it contains no dogma and
its adherents are not told or forced to "believe"
anything. In Scientology, what is true for the individual
is only what he has observed and knows is true for him.
Scientology is a technology one can use and through its
use discover its workability for oneself.
Scientologists come from all walks of life, ranging from
teachers to businessmen, physicians, housewives, artists,
engineers, nurses, construction workers, celebrities,
marketing and administrative personnel, secretaries,
athletes, civil servants and many others.
The Church and its actions are far from secretive; there
is nothing mystical about Scientology or its members or
practices. The Church's leaders are in close touch with
the membership; they hold a number of briefing events
each year which are attended by tens of thousands.
Scientologists actively improve their communities; they
are out there, involved, visible and effective.
The fact of the matter is there isn't a religion today
that hasn't been called a cult at some point in its
history by antagonistic interests. Nazis thought Jews and
Eastern European religious sects to be cults. In the
sixteenth century Catholics considered reform churches
cults. Earlier than that Roman rulers considered the
Christian community a cult. History has taught us to
beware of those who would label *any* religious group a
cult. It is traditionally the first step before wholesale
persecution, and is always the statement of an
unenlightened and uninformed individual, usually with ill
motives as the Nazi history makes so clear.
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