Compare and Contrast Christian Science in relation to Scientology
Introduction
Christian Science and Scientology have had conflicting beliefs, prompting believers in each group to accuse the other of being a cult. The two groups have different beliefs and principles concerning salvation. Comparisons can be carried out to establish the similarities and differences between scientology and Christian Science.
According to Christian Scientists, salvation is an attainment of something spiritual. Salvation involves truth, life, love and it prevails over death, sickness ad sin. When salvation is attained in one’s life, they demonstrate truth, love, salvation and life. Their conscience is also freed from earthly things like sin, death and sickness. In Christian Science, salvation recognizes God as the divine being. Christian Scientists view God to be immortal, omnipresent, self-sustained, self-existent, conscious and active. God is viewed as the giver f life, love and one who is always truthful.
Christian Scientists view salvation as an attainment of spiritual milestones. For example; they believe in salvation from fear. That when one has the true understanding of creation, they will be able to overcome fear. They believe that, in God’s universe, there are no evils that can cause disease, sin or death hence; Christians should not fear. They believe salvation from fear enables Christians to face their spiritual duties without problems.
Christian Scientists also believe that salvation comes from Christ. That Jesus came on earth to save those in who were in bondage. They believe that human beings must turn to Christ for salvation from evil. Understanding Jesus Christ is the way to lead a life of truth and love. They also believe in the promised comforter, who was prophesied by Christ- the Holy Spirit. Christian Science argues that for one to achieve salvation, they need to reform and truly repent their sins and change into a new life. They must also be saved from their belief in matter. Salvation is associated with prayer. Finally, salvation in Christian Science can only be achieved after atonement, reformation and ascension.
Salvation in Scientology
Scientology’s view of salvation involves different concepts from Christian Science. They believe that the soul can assume different bodies because it is separate from the body. Therefore, the thetan is immortal according to Scientologists. Hubbard made a discovery that the soul is a separate entity from the mind and body of human beings and that it is immortal.
They also believe that the soul, also called the thetan, is good. That the human soul does not have an evil side. To them, the difference is between God and Satan. The soul can only become bad if it is influenced by the devil. Therefore, they perceive that God and Satan are in a constant cosmic struggle to influence the human soul.
In scientology, salvation an immediate much different from other religions. They believe that salvation can be achieved through increasing spiritual awareness. They believe that as one knows more about their spiritual belief, they achieve total freedom. This can be achieved by practising Scientology religious services.
Furthermore, when a believer’s spiritual awareness increases through continuous practice of Scientology, their ability to find answers on the spirit, life and eternity increases. In the long run, Scientologists believe that salvation is achieved when the believer is aware of themselves as spirit. The individual regards himself as a spirit that is independent of the body and that will remain intact and immortal even after the body and mind have left the physical universe.
Similarities
Christian Science and Scientology have a few similarities. Both of these two provide a path that leads to salvation. Even though the two religions have completely different ideologies on salvation and how to achieve it, they have this common goal. Both religions have churches where worshipers or believers go.
Christian Science and Scientology are similar in that they both seek healing using mental means. Both religions believe that healing is important for one to achieve salvation and that it can be best achieved through mental means. Both religions also rebuke antisocial personalities and sin. They all advocate for spiritual deeds. Believers are expected to adhere to what is good and avoid engaging in unethical or unreligious activities that would otherwise compromise their spiritual purity. This includes avoiding the use of drugs. However, the reasons for being sceptical on drugs differ between both regions.
Differences
Christian Science was started by Mary Baker in 1879 while Scientology was started in 1953 by Ron Hubbard. Christian Science has its roots in Christianity. They use both the new and old testaments of the Bible. They have churches that preach the gospel in different parts of the world. Scientology has no basis in Christianity. They do not believe in Jesus Christ or use the bible. It was founded by a science fiction personality. It only focuses on extending knowledge on fundamental truths.
Scientology achieves salvation through the attainment of total freedom. Their form of salvation involves liberating the mind from other beliefs. However, Christian Science views salvation as one’s willingness to accept God in their life. It involves increasing their spiritual relationship with God. Furthermore, Christian Scientists believe that healing comes from God through divine power. They believe in God as the giver of everything in this world and one who liberates people from bondage. However, scientology argues that healing involves delivering oneself from problems and traumas. Healing involves scientific methods as stipulated in the Eighth Dynamic where healing therapies using technologies are applied.
In Christian Science, sinners need to realize that they are doing evil. Sin can only be avoided through repentance and turning to Jesus Christ. Jesus is the giver of spiritual guidance that will keep human beings out of delusion and temptations of sin. In scientology, man is always good. They believe that sin can be avoided through administering justice by some authorized scientologists for different levels of offenses and crimes. Furthermore, Christian Scientists are against the use of drugs because it is against God’s will. However, scientologists believe that fighting against drugs is public service.
Conclusion
Therefore, Christian Science and Scientology are entirely different religions with different objectives and practices. There are some few activities and beliefs on salvation that appear similar such as beliefs on sin, drugs, healing and salvation. However, the two religions differ on how salvation and healing can be achieved. They also differ on why drugs should be avoided and how to deal with sin and other social evils. Christian Science is based on God and the Bible while Scientology is based on science and technology.
Works Cited
Bednarowski, Mary Farrell. New Religions and the Theological Imagination in America. Indiana: Indiana University Press, 2007.
Brooks, Keith L, Irvine Robertson and Dillon Burrough. Comparing Christianity with the Cults: The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error. New York: Moody Publishers, 2007.
Cook Communications Ministries. Can I Know What to Believe? New York: David C Cook, 2004.
Lewis, Norway James R. Scientology. Lonodn: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Neusner, Jacob. World Religions in America: An Introduction. 4. New York: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.
