Why is Scientology a religion?
Religion is defined as "Any specific system of belief and worship,
often
involving a code of ethics and a philosophy." (Webster’s New World Dictionary:
Third College Edition.)
Religious philosophy includes study of spiritual manifestations, research on the nature of the spirit, study of the relationship of the spirit to the body, and practices devoted to the rehabilitation of spiritual abilities.
Scientology is a religion in the most traditional sense. It deals with man as a spirit and is distinguishable from material and non-religious philosophies which hold man to be a product of material circumstances.
Scientology holds in common with all great religions the dream of peace on earth and salvation for man. What is new about Scientology is that it contains a technology to bring about spiritual improvement in the here and now and to accomplish it with certainty in each individual who honestly participates in Scientology auditing and training services.
The Church of Scientology also conducts the basic ceremonies and services common to many religions, such as sermons at church meetings, naming ceremonies (similar to baptisms), weddings and funerals.
Moreover, the religious nature of Scientology has been recognized repeatedly by governments, courts and religion experts throughout the world.
In fact, in one tax-related case before the High Court of Australia in 1983, the Church established the legal definition of religion under the Australian Constitution for the first time in that nation’s history. The High Court came to the "irresistible" conclusion that Scientology is a religious institution.
The expert and official recognitions of Scientology as a bona fide religion, from courts, government agenies, scholars, theologians and sociologists around the world number many hundreds. None has ever concluded otherwise.
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