Since it was established by Science Fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, Scientology
has reportedly amassed over 10 million members worldwide.
Scientology might affirm itself as a religion but some scholars argue that it should instead
be classified as a new religious movement, while other critics suggest that it would
be more accurate to call it a commercial enterprise or a cult.
So which is it?
Well, the answer is not exactly straightforward.
Despite its numerous followers, which include high-profile celebrities, scientology has
only recently been recognized as a formal religion by certain countries.
Elsewhere it’s another story.
In the US, Scientology is officially acknowledged as a tax-exempt religious organization in
1993.
Alongside the US, Scientology is accepted as a religion in countries like Italy, South
Africa and Australia.
But several European nations have denied its religious status, with Germany being the most
outspoken over the issue.
In late 2007, members of the German government attempted to ban Scientology, but the case
was abandoned a year later as there were no legal grounds for pursuing it.
Germany’s argument that the faith is not a religion but a commercial enterprise, is
the same argument that has been levied against Scientology by other critics.
The practice of Auditing is central to Scientology, but is also controversial.
According to Scientologists, it is a process that allows members to find and handle areas
of anxiety to further their spiritual potential through paid training programs.
But reports suggest, that attaining this goal can take hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Auditing, alongside large donations, has reportedly made Scientology worth over one billion dollars.
Over the last few decades, the head of Scientology has invested the church’s wealth into extensive
outreach and public relation campaigns, which are often backed by Hollywood celebrities.
These PR campaigns aim to recruit new members which could help to cement their status as
a religion and gain more influence worldwide.
So how powerful is Scientology right now?
Well, according to a former Church official, the Scientology’s power within the media
is waning, especially as several celebrity members have left the faith and published
tell-all stories.
Other critics think that the church is shying away from using famous members to endorse
Scientology because it’s opted to use a more subtle approach.
Like the recent ad that was aired during a national pro-football event, which had many
viewers guessing what the ad was about until the last few seconds.
Scientologists also wield subtle power through offshoot organizations and corporate entities
which offer financial, executive and even social services, like drug rehabilitation.
However, these companies have been heavily criticized for offering services which are
actually a covert front for enlisting new members to Scientology.
So why go to such great lengths to recruit followers?
Well, reports suggest that the Church doesn’t have as many members as it claims.
Despite claiming to be one of the fastest growing religions worldwide, a 2008 survey
reportedly showed that the US only has 25,000 members.
which suggests that Scientology may not be as strong in number as it claims to be.
You’re probably wondering what it takes to be officially recognized as a religion
by the government, right?
Well, we made a video about it!
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