I got an interesting book from the library.

[laconicsax]

"What is Scientology - A guidebook to the world's fastest growing religion" published by the Church of Scientology.

In the back of the book, there's a reference section containing "The Creeds and Codes of Scientology"

The second line reads, "That all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance" (emphasis mine)

Doesn't this prevent Scientology from being a religion by definition? If its practitioners are free to follow whatever religion they choose, then doesn't that make Scientology a philosophy instead of a religion?

[gateley]

1. I've always thought that Scientology was a philosophy,

and L. Ron Hubbard just declared it a church/religion for tax purposes. :shrug:

[Goblinmonger]

2. I have always thought that Scientology

is a long con. Think that of many/most religions, actually.

[Gala328]

3. I see it . . .

As a religion moreso than a philosophy. I may not agree with some of the tenents but I firmly believe that the individuals have the right to worship as they see fit.

[John Gauger]

4. Scientology is a business.

L. Ron Hubbard once said that the fastest way to make money is to start a religion, and one day he set out to prove it. That's why you will often see "Church of Scientology" abbreviated as "Co$" on the Internet. It's a money-making venture, no more, no less.