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[[File:Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.jpg|thumb|Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.]]

[[File:Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.jpg|thumb|Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.]]

'''Scientology''' is a new religion<ref>[http://www.ucalgary.ca/~nurelweb/papers/irving/scient.html Irving Hexham, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Calgary]</ref> established in the [[United States]] by science fiction author [[L. Ron Hubbard]] in 1954. His 1950 book ''Dianetics'' told readers they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard added idea involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self or soul that passes through countless [[reincarnation]]s across trillions of years), and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy.  <ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Scientology/index.aspx Scientology Basics]</ref>

'''Scientology''' is a new religion<ref>[http://www.ucalgary.ca/~nurelweb/papers/irving/scient.html Irving Hexham, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Calgary]</ref> established in the [[United States]] by science fiction author [[L. Ron Hubbard]] in 1954. His 1950 book ''Dianetics'' told readers they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard added idea involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self or soul that passes through countless [[reincarnation]]s across trillions of years), and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy.  <ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Scientology/index.aspx Scientology Basics]</ref>It has been described by judiciary in various countries as a dangerous and mind controlling cult <ref>See eg. ''Re: B & G'' (Minors) (Custody) (High Court of England), which can be found [http://www.xenu.net/archive/audit/latey.html here] or Church of Scientology California v Gerry Armstrong, which can be found [http://www.gerryarmstrong.org/archives/283 here</ref>]. 

Unlike [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], or [[Judaism]], there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles.  

Unlike [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], or [[Judaism]], there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles.  

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Although Scientology argues its beliefs are not incompatible with Christian [[faith]], this is not so. Scientology is inconsistent with the beliefs of Christian faith; however ''we may observe that Scientology does entertain a fine goal in attempting to improve the world and man's lot within it, whether materially or spiritually. Many practitioners are dedicated and selfless in seeking such ends.'' Scientology is also known for its [[conservative]] stance on social issues (supporting [[Proposition 8]] in California, for example), which is commendable. Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard also recognized that [[homosexuality]] is immoral and a behavioral disorder, rather than a "healthy alternative lifestyle" as liberals shamelessly insist.<ref> [http://www.abundantgraceministries.org/new_page_5.htm From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.] </ref>

Although Scientology argues its beliefs are not incompatible with Christian [[faith]], this is not so. Scientology is inconsistent with the beliefs of Christian faith; however ''we may observe that Scientology does entertain a fine goal in attempting to improve the world and man's lot within it, whether materially or spiritually. Many practitioners are dedicated and selfless in seeking such ends.'' Scientology is also known for its [[conservative]] stance on social issues (supporting [[Proposition 8]] in California, for example), which is commendable. Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard also recognized that [[homosexuality]] is immoral and a behavioral disorder, rather than a "healthy alternative lifestyle" as liberals shamelessly insist.<ref> [http://www.abundantgraceministries.org/new_page_5.htm From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.] </ref>The official Scientology position on homosexuality is that someone who is a homosexual is "trapped within a past life when they were of the opposite sex"<ref>see eg.'' A history of Man'', Hubbard, 1952</ref>

== What Scientologists believe ==

== What Scientologists believe ==