Spring Break
Scientology Swindles
Rishi Mehta
Issue date: 10/13/05 Section: Commentary
So now, back to the "pursuit." There is a catch in the belief structure of Scientology. In order for one to make it to the next "level" of teaching, one must show a certain degree of commitment. Such a commitment is valued by the dollar. Indeed, many Scientologists do not know the full truth or tenets of their religion because they simply cannot afford it. Scientology not only refuses to disclose its beliefs to the general public, but it also has such a refusal to its own believers. Unless Scientologists hand over the cash, they never learn the true meaning of their religion or find their way to "enlightenment" - something most religions promise and offer to all believers, if not non-believers.
Of the five major religions in the world - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism - none of them keep their most basic tenets secret. Rather, all of these religions keep their tenets in some sort of Holy Scripture free for all interested in the faith. It leaves no room for ignorance and allows members of each religion to learn from each other. Indeed, members of each religion have the ability to learn as much about their religion as they can about the other major religions. Such a dynamic allows for a certain level of communication, tolerance and understanding.
In addition, such openness allows those who feel "lost" to decide on their own which set of beliefs and tenets most appropriately fits what they feel to be the true way. Once in the arms of the religion of their choice, all members equally can find enlightenment. All it requires is self control, devotion and commitment. It in no way requires a wallet. In fact, here lies the significant difference between these religions and Scientology - it opens up its arms to all who seek spirituality and meaning. Some may make such a task more arduous than others such as the long conversion process for Judaism, while some may make the task nothing more than a formality such as the case with Hinduism. In either case, however, the religions allow all to find enlightenment with no consideration of economic background.
Of the five major religions in the world - Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism - none of them keep their most basic tenets secret. Rather, all of these religions keep their tenets in some sort of Holy Scripture free for all interested in the faith. It leaves no room for ignorance and allows members of each religion to learn from each other. Indeed, members of each religion have the ability to learn as much about their religion as they can about the other major religions. Such a dynamic allows for a certain level of communication, tolerance and understanding.
In addition, such openness allows those who feel "lost" to decide on their own which set of beliefs and tenets most appropriately fits what they feel to be the true way. Once in the arms of the religion of their choice, all members equally can find enlightenment. All it requires is self control, devotion and commitment. It in no way requires a wallet. In fact, here lies the significant difference between these religions and Scientology - it opens up its arms to all who seek spirituality and meaning. Some may make such a task more arduous than others such as the long conversion process for Judaism, while some may make the task nothing more than a formality such as the case with Hinduism. In either case, however, the religions allow all to find enlightenment with no consideration of economic background.