Scientology religion defined
World’s foremost religious scholars have examined the doctrines of the Scientology religion and the activities of those who adhere to them.
Just as today’s world religions began in a society which found their ideas new and revolutionary, so the Scientology religion emerged in 1952.
After just a half a century, Scientologists number in the millions, with growing churches, missions and groups in more than 150 nations — including the Church of Scientology Mission of Dublin.
Many people ask about the religious nature and origins of Scientology. How does it fit into our religious community? Is it a religion? And, what is its mission?
Such questions have been asked — and answered — by religious authorities from all corners of the globe.
Dr. Frank K. Flinn, Catholic theologian and professor in Religious Studies at Washington University in the U.S., has been studying new religions since 1962. After a study of the Scientology religion he wrote: “I can assert, that Scientology is a true religion. It has the main characteristics of all religions of the world:
“1) Precise system of beliefs...
“2) religious practice (including rules of behaviour, religious services, ceremonies) and
“3) association of believers into the religious group, which clearly differs from other religious associations.”
Dr. Bryan Ronald Wilson of Oxford University, one of the foremost writers on religion, concluded that, “Scientology is a system of religious belief and practice which causes the deep and candid dedication of its followers.”
The Roman Catholic Church, in the Great Dictionary of the Religion, validates Scientology as “practical school of philosophy... aiming at making man happier by understanding himself and others as spiritual beings. Its development of religious tendencies...got it recognized as a religion in a number of nations.”
Governments around the world have also upheld the rights of Scientologists, the Church of Scientology and its religious foundation, recognising the framework in which Scientology religious services are offered.
No more decisively was this illustrated than in one of the most important legal recognitions of the Church of Scientology to date: in October 1993 the United States Internal Revenue Service (the main tax agency of the USA) recognised the fully charitable and religious character of the Church and granted tax exemption — the official recognition for religions in the U.S. — to 150 Scientology churches, missions and related organizations.
Scientology has also been officially recognised as a genuine religion in many other countries including Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Russian Federation, Austria, Venezuela, Sweden, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Kazakhstan and South Africa, which also attests to the Church’s international scope and mission.
Also, courts throughout the world have validated Scientology as a religion. But most importantly, Scientology is a religion to its millions of members here and abroad, and they encourage people with questions to ask them — whether by visiting a Church of Scientology or by reading the Church’s extensive reference materials about the Scientology religion.
Come to Scientology Sunday Service
ALL ARE WELCOME
All public are invited to attend Sunday Service at 10 am at the Church of Scientology Mission in Dublin, 62/63 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
The Church of Scientology Mission of Dublin is also open every day of the week, Monday to Friday from 2pm - 10pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 6pm.
Visitors are welcome.
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