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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