Is Scientology Satanic?

One day on youtube. I saw a video comparing the controversial religion known as Scientology with the odd Christian idea of Satanism. Link enclosed


True it seems the founder of Scientology spent some time studying the occult under a follower of Crowley, but this does not make Hubbard Satanic. The subject about Hubbard himself being Satanic may be covered at another time, but I wish to focus on the two religions themselves.

Like most other religions, Scientology focuses on the spiritual. It asserts the existence of the spiritual and that humans are spirits in physical bodies. In Satanism, the spiritual is not acknowledged. Only the physical. No life beyond death.

One of the key factors in Scientology is learning how to perform various rituals. This rituals are compulsory. The most common is "Auditing". Originally promoted as a therapy to optimise the mind. Auditing is the Scientological ritual in which an initiate, or "Preclear" goes back to painful experiences in their life. In Satanism, ritual isn't compulsory. It is only used when the Satanist feels the need for it. Satanists are also free to write new rituals or alter them to suit their emotional needs. Scientologists are restricted to the rituals written long ago by their founder.

Scientologists are encouraged, and often ordered to, advertise their religion. This is done in numerous ways. Handing out flyers. Television adverts. Tests designed to fail so that they seek out the religion to fix it. Satanists do not proselytize. They believe each to their own as long as they themselves are not bothered. As far as they are concerned, if anyone is interested, the material is out there. No Satanist seeks to convert others. Sure they're willing to talk about their beliefs if asked, or even publish them on blogs or write essays. But this is usually just a form of expression.

Scientologists must progress within the religions, reaching for higher levels for the promise of being able to live a richer life. Satanists, if they are members of the Church of Satan, are able to reach higher degrees if they are able to apply Satanism to their lives. Scientologists apply themselves to the organisation. Satanists apply themselves to the outside world.

Perhaps one of the most interesting differences is Scientologists are expected to place their health in the hands of their teachings. As a result, medication is discouraged. Scientologists are deeply discouraged from seeking psychiatric help. The practice being regarded as "evil". Instead, Scientologists are encouraged to rely on their scriptures. Satanists do not seek miracle cures or faith healing. Tending to a non exisiting spirit is pointless.

Any claim that Scientology is Satanic is often made simply on the basis that Scientology is simply not Christianity. They are unwilling to admit that they themselves have more in common with the relative newcomers than the Satanists.