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Religion Vs Scientology

RELIGION AND SCIENTOLOGY
The term religion refers to a structured approach to human spirituality which entails beliefs and practices with a supernatural dimension (Rhodes, 2001). It gives reference to a higher power or some perfect truth. Religious practices can be expressed through prayer, cultural traditions and rituals, meditation, art, music, symbols and writings. It also encompasses personal practices with a common conviction about specific behaviors in the society with a particular focus to a supernatural or ethical view about idealism (Malko, 1970). This then constitutes the faith system, having psychological or communal background describing the society’s way of life. Some of this traditions, moral values, traditional practices and scriptures considered to be divine in nature, have been found to extend the worldly view of philosophy to the extremes, often clashing with science.
The word “Scientology” refers to the practice of learning the truth (Lamont, 1986). Scientology as a religion believes that human beings are holy and not evil. It purports that life experiences shape man to become bad but their own nature which is good. It continues to state that people can overcome their own problems by focusing on their personal experiences while ignoring how their actions have affected others to avoid strife. Scientology continues to encourage their believers that through a dedicated self evaluation program, they are capable of acquiring a higher degree of spiritual uprightness.
The basic concepts about Scientology generally include eight pillars:
First and foremost is the drive to exist independently without interference from others. The second is the value for having a family, sexual intercourse and procreation (Chryssides, 1999). The third encourages people to exist in a society, within a nation, company of friends, in a city and generally in small or large groups. The fourth exemplifies the need to survive as human beings. The fifth...