Scientology has often been characterized as a cult rather than a legitimate religion or denomination of Christianity. However, to properly evaluate this claim, we must look to the Bible for guidance. The Bible warns Christians about false teachings and provides criteria for identifying cults that claim to be Christian but in fact distort or contradict orthodox biblical doctrine.
Some key biblical passages that help discern true Christian practice from cultic counterfeits include:
- Matthew 7:15-23 – Beware of false prophets who come disguised as sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
- 1 John 4:1-3 – Test the spirits to see if they are from God. Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 – False teachers will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them.
- Galatians 1:8 – If anyone preaches a gospel contrary to the true gospel delivered by the apostles, let them be under a divine curse!
Using these and other Scriptures as our standard, we can analyze the teachings and practices of Scientology from a biblical perspective.
Doctrines Contrary to Biblical Christianity
Upon examination, many of Scientology’s core doctrines directly contradict biblical Christianity:
- Scientology teaches that human beings are immortal spiritual beings called Thetans that are reincarnated over lifetimes, whereas the Bible says human beings die once and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
- Scientology says Jesus Christ was one of many religious teachers and denies his unique divinity, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection and ascension. The Bible presents Jesus as the uniquely begotten Son of God and the only Savior for mankind (John 14:6).
- Scientology emphasizes spiritual enlightenment through esoteric knowledge and techniques rather than salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Scientology does not recognize sin or the need for repentance and redemption, whereas the Bible is clear about humanity’s universal sin problem and our need for a Savior (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
These contradictions with clear biblical teaching are significant indicators that Scientology falls outside the boundaries of authentic Christianity.
Unbiblical Practices
In addition to official doctrinal positions, Scientology also promotes unbiblical and manipulative practices:
- Members are pressured to disconnect from relatives and friends who criticize Scientology, but the Bible instructs believers to maintain family relationships (1 Timothy 5:8).
- Harmful interrogation techniques like aggressive auditing and security checks are used on members, violating biblical standards of truth and ethical conduct.
- Information about Scientology beliefs is deliberately hidden until members are fully initiated and pay large fees, unlike Jesus and the apostles who proclaimed the gospel message freely and publicly.
- Scientology leader David Miscavige wields authoritarian control, while Jesus condemned spiritual abuse and instructed leaders to act as humble servants (Mark 10:42-45).
This pattern of unethical practices raises many red flags from a biblical perspective and aligns with destructive cultic movements rather than authentic Christian ministry.
Why Scientology is Viewed as a Cult
Based on its contradictory doctrines and damaging practices, most Christian theologians and apologetics ministries classify Scientology as a cult rather than a denomination or sect legitimately within Christianity. Several specific characteristics contribute to this assessment:
- Non-Christian Origins – Scientology was founded in the 1950s by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, not rooted in historic Christianity.
- Extra-Biblical Revelation – Scientologists believe Hubbard’s teachings and writings (like Dianetics) are authoritative revelations equivalent to the Bible.
- Autocratic Leadership – Hubbard claimed special enlightenment and David Miscavige wields inordinate control over members’ lives.
- Salvation by Works – Scientology salvation comes through spiritual knowledge, good works, training courses and techniques rather than grace through faith in Christ.
- Imitation of Church Features – Scientology mimics superficial church features like ministers, facilities, rituals and “cross” logo to appear Christian externally.
Based on these characteristics, most Christian scholars contend Scientology represents a false religion or pseudo-Christian cult rather than an authentic denomination within the true faith.
Key Differences Between Scientology and Christianity
In summary, some key differences that separate Scientology from biblical Christianity include:
- Jesus – Scientology considers Jesus just another wise teacher, while Christianity proclaims Jesus as the uniquely divine Son of God and only Savior for sinners.
- Sin – Scientology basically denies humanity’s sin problem, while Christianity diagnoses sin as mankind’s fundamental problem needing Christ’s redemption.
- Salvation – Scientology claims spiritual enlightenment comes through esoteric knowledge and techniques, while Christianity teaches salvation comes by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
- Scripture – Scientology regards L. Ron Hubbard’s writings as inspired and authoritative, while Christianity affirms the Bible as the sole divine revelation and final authority for faith and practice.
- Origins – Scientology was founded in the 20th century by L. Ron Hubbard, while Christianity originated with Jesus Christ and the 1st century apostles.
Given these stark differences on core theological issues, most Christians consider the Church of Scientology more of a distorted cult than a denomination or tradition within the historic Christian faith.
Biblical Warnings About Cults and False Teachers
Why does properly categorizing Scientology as a cult rather than Christian matter? The Bible warns believers to beware false prophets and doctrines that can lead people astray:
2 Peter 2:1-3 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.”
By understanding the specific criteria Scripture gives to assess new religious movements, Christians can avoid deception and partner with the Holy Spirit to “test the spirits” and discern truth from counterfeits (1 John 4:1).
How Should Christians View and Interact with Scientology?
Given Scientology’s cultic characteristics, several biblical principles should guide Christians’ perspective and response:
- Pray for Scientologists to come to know the true Jesus of the Bible and be saved by his grace.
- Avoid participating in Scientology practices or teachings which conflict with God’s Word.
- Minister God’s love to Scientologists by sharing the genuine hope, forgiveness, and relationship found in Christ.
- Help rescue ex-Scientologists seeking freedom from the cult’s spiritual, psychological and financial abuses.
- Work to uphold religious freedoms so cult followers can freely convert to authentic Christianity.
Our struggle is not against individual Scientologists but against the forces of spiritual darkness blinding minds to Christ’s truth (Ephesians 6:12). By combining courageous truth with Christlike compassion, we can help expose and overcome Scientology’s counterfeit gospel for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Conclusion
According to the biblical standards of sound doctrine and ethical integrity, Scientology clearly falls within the category of an unorthodox cult rather than authentic Christian religion. Its contradictory theology, damaging practices and extra-biblical origins align more with pseudo-Christian cult movements than established denominations within historic Christianity. Christians should view Scientologist beliefs with discernment rather than compatibility in light of key differences highlighted in Scripture and church history. Yet even while rejecting Scientological errors, Christians must reach out in hope to awaken Scientologists to the liberating truth and salvation only found in Jesus Christ and Him alone.