1995 – Around The World – The Church of Scientology

 

 

AROUND THE WORLD

with editorial comment

by M L Natterer

The Church of Scientology was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard who was born on March 13, 1911, and raised in Montana. In 1938, he isolated the basic drive that motivates the individual – he is seeking to SURVIVE. This discovery provided the springboard for his research into what interfered with the survival – and thus the happiness – of the basic individual. In 1950 his findings were codified with the publication of DIANETICS: THE MODERN SCIENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH. Two years later in Arizona, he bridged the spiritual nature of the East and the materialistic nature of the West and announced it in THE PHOENIX LECTURES. In 1950 a group of his students formed the first Church of Scientology with Hubbard as its Executive Director. He has published nearly 600 titles and given more than 3000 lectures on Dianetics and Scientology alone. These materials form the basis of the many Scientology courses and studies today. In Scientology, salvation is through the work of the individual himself. It seeks to increase the person’s understanding of himself, his fellow man, and the world around him. Hubbard’s books are sold for a specific “donation.” PERCEPTION OF TRUTH requires a $1,150 donation; OLD TESTAMENT DOCTORATE COURSE a $9,200 donation; HUBBARD KEY TO LIFE course requires a donation of $10,000.

Scientology is another cult which has sprung up out of the garden of weeds over which the devil is the gardener! Many people within visible Christendom have been poisoned by these obnoxious weeds to such an extent that they have even lost the very fundamental Christian teachings. Hubbard has simply exchanged his profession from a “science fiction writer,” to a “religious fiction writer.” Obviously his new venture is proving to be not only successful, but also very profitable. But what blindness to spend money to be led by a blind leader (Matthew 15:14), when the Lord freely gives us His Holy Word in which He not only shows us our sin in His Law and the consequences for all transgressors, but He also gives us His Gospel in which He announces to us that because of Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross the sins of all mankind have been forgiven and that whoever believes this has the forgiveness of all sins and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). Thus in sharp contrast to Hubbard’s false teaching, the inerrant Word of the Lord teaches that a man is saved not by his works, but solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ as his Savior (Eph. 2:8,9). This Word of everlasting truth is a sure and unfailing lamp and light unto our feet and path clearly shining the way which leads to the Father’s house of many mansion (Ps. 119:105). It provides us with the needed comfort in the hour of affliction and trial, removes our fear, and strengthens our weary souls with its precious promises, and thus imparts true happiness. It tells us how we can show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light in our calling and station in this life (1 Pet. 2:9). Therefore “I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil” (Ps. 119:162).