Religious Compatibility
Question answered by formerscientologist in Scientology
Michael_Crichton asked this question on 9/16/2000:
Several of the newer pro-Church of Scientology experts here
have said thast they really are interested in open and honest
communications with critics of that Church. With that in mind, I
am reposting some older questions. These are mainly intended
for those pro-CoS experts, but of course anyone can answer.
Question 8: The Church of Scientology claims to be “Compatible”
with all other religions, with the word “Compatible” being taken
to mean that anyone could be a Scientologist and a member of
any other religion at the same time, with no ‘conflict of
interests’, so to speak. Logically, how can one simultaneously
believe in reincarnation (like in Scientology) and “One life, one
death, one Judgement” like in Christianity? What about the other
seemingly incompatible doctrinal differences (Original sin, etc)?
formerscientologist gave this response on 9/17/2000:
It is not compatible with other religions without some sort of
compromise.
To be a Christian, all one really has to do is accept Jesus as
one's savior. Who can say with certainty that that
necessarily means only one lifetime? Not every Christian is
going to accept the story of the serpent in the garden.
The same idea is true for other religions.
In Scientology there is a saying, what is true for you is true
for you. You don't have to believe every last word of
Hubbard's. You don't have to believe in Xenu or in heaven
and hell implants to be a Scientologist. As a Scientologist, all
you need to do is apply the technology. You don't require
special belief systems to learn how to audit. You can go a
long way in Scientology without sacrificing your current
beliefs.
On the other hand, it is hard to be a CoS member and still
hold fast to your other beliefs. Scientology requires a lot of
time and dedication, and as Jesus says, "No man can serve
two masters." A Scientologist will not have much time for the
practice of other religions, but there is enough time for
bedtime prayers.
Scientology forbids mixing practices. For example you can't
receive auditing and practise meditation. The two are not
compatible. A Scientologist can practise meditation, but not
while is he getting auditing. Meditation keys out the bank so
that Scientology/Dianetics can't contact the charge and run
it out. However a Scientologist not on lines, but busy making
money for his next step, might do well with meditation.
David Miscavige once said about Scientology, "Your eternity
depends upon it." Anyone who believes that, can't have
Christ for a Savior.
Scientology was more compatible with other religions before
it became one.
The statement that Scientology is compatible with other
religions is at best a relative truth, but the truth in it appears
to be outweighed by the outright lies.
Michael, are you just asking this to challenge the
Scientologists honesty and to put them to the test? Or do
you have some other religious concerns?
Michael_Crichton rated this answer:
I'm honestly curious as to what they believe. I hold no firm
religious beliefs of my own, but I'm fascinated by those of
others.
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