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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 147 min read

Are Scientology and the Bible Compatible?

Understanding the Origins of Scientology


Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, presents itself as a modern religion that offers spiritual freedom and enlightenment. Hubbard's teachings are compiled in texts such as Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health and various other writings and lectures. Scientology claims to provide a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one's true spiritual nature and relationship to the Divine.


However, when comparing the foundational beliefs of Scientology with the Bible, significant differences emerge. Scientology's worldview, spiritual practices, and concept of salvation stand in stark contrast to the teachings of Scripture, raising the question of whether these two belief systems can ever be reconciled.



Scientology’s Concept of God Versus the God of the Bible


In Scientology, the concept of God is vague and undefined. The Church of Scientology states that "each person has to come to an understanding of and relationship with God in his own way." This non-specific approach to the Divine contrasts sharply with the Bible's clear and explicit revelation of who God is.


The Bible presents Jehovah as the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Isaiah 45:5-6 declares, "I am Jehovah, and there is no other; besides me, there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known me, that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides me." The God of the Bible is not an abstract concept to be individually defined; He is a personal, knowable Being who has revealed Himself through His Word.


Moreover, the Bible teaches that knowing Jehovah is not just about individual perception but involves a relationship based on His revelation and commandments. Jesus emphasized this relationship when He said, "This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3). In contrast, Scientology's nebulous approach to God undermines the Bible's clear teaching on the nature and character of Jehovah.



The Nature of Humanity in Scientology and Biblical Christianity


Scientology posits that humans are essentially spiritual beings known as "thetans," who are trapped in a cycle of reincarnation. According to Scientology, these spiritual beings are inherently good and possess unlimited potential, but they are burdened by "engrams" – traumatic memories from past lives that hinder their spiritual growth.


In stark contrast, the Bible teaches that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), but they are fallen and sinful by nature due to the transgression of Adam and Eve (Romans 5:12). The Bible clearly states that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This sinful condition separates humanity from God and necessitates divine redemption through Jesus Christ.


Furthermore, the Bible rejects the notion of reincarnation. Hebrews 9:27 clearly states, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." This verse affirms that humans live once, die, and then face judgment, refuting the concept of multiple lifetimes or reincarnation. Scientology's belief in reincarnation directly contradicts the biblical teaching on the finality of death and the importance of salvation through Christ in this life.



Scientology’s Path to Salvation Versus Biblical Salvation


Scientology teaches that salvation comes through the process of "auditing," a form of counseling where individuals confront and erase the engrams that impede their spiritual progress. By progressing through various levels of auditing, a Scientologist can achieve a state known as "Clear," and eventually attain "Operating Thetan" status, where one is said to have control over matter, energy, space, and time.


In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is not a process of self-improvement or the erasure of past traumas, but a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Salvation in Christianity is a work of God, not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort.


Moreover, the Bible emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This exclusivity of Christ as the Savior is incompatible with Scientology's focus on self-enlightenment and self-salvation through auditing.



The Role of Scripture in Scientology and Biblical Christianity


The Bible is the inspired Word of God, given as a guide for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." The Bible is central to Christian faith, providing the authoritative revelation of God's will and the message of salvation.


Scientology, on the other hand, does not regard the Bible as its primary text. Instead, it relies on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard, particularly the book Dianetics, as its foundational scripture. This reliance on Hubbard’s writings places Scientology at odds with the Bible's authority. Jesus warned against placing human traditions above God’s Word when He said, "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men" (Mark 7:8).


The divergence between Scientology and biblical Christianity is further highlighted by the fact that Scientology's teachings often contradict biblical principles. For example, Scientology's emphasis on self-reliance and self-salvation conflicts with the biblical teaching of reliance on God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross.



The Ethics and Morality of Scientology Versus Biblical Teachings


Ethics in Scientology are guided by the "Scientology Code of Honor" and the "Way to Happiness" booklet, which outlines moral precepts that adherents are encouraged to follow. While some of these precepts may align with general moral principles, such as the importance of honesty and respect for others, they lack the foundation of divine authority that undergirds biblical morality.


The Bible presents ethics and morality as rooted in the character of Jehovah and His revealed will. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), provide clear guidelines for how believers are to live in accordance with God’s standards. These commandments are not merely suggestions for personal happiness but are mandates from God, requiring obedience.


Moreover, the Bible teaches that true morality comes from a transformed heart, something that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish. Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." Scientology’s focus on human effort and self-improvement overlooks the necessity of spiritual rebirth and reliance on the Holy Spirit for genuine moral transformation.



The Eternal Perspective: Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife


The Bible provides a clear teaching on the afterlife, with the promise of eternal life for believers and the warning of eternal judgment for those who reject Christ. Jesus taught about the reality of heaven and hell in passages such as Matthew 25:46, where He said, "And these will go away into eternal punishment,[1] but the righteous into eternal life." The Bible consistently presents the afterlife as a continuation of one's relationship with God or separation from Him, based on one's response to the gospel.


[1] The Greek noun (κόλασις kolasis) refers to eternal cutting off, from life. Lit lopping off, pruning.


In contrast, Scientology's teachings on the afterlife are ambiguous and centered on the concept of reincarnation rather than the biblical view of resurrection and eternal judgment. This difference underscores the incompatibility between Scientology and biblical Christianity. The hope of the resurrection, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, is central to the Christian faith: "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory."


Scientology's lack of a clear and consistent teaching on the afterlife contrasts sharply with the Bible's detailed and authoritative description of eternal destiny. For Christians, the assurance of eternal life in the presence of Jehovah is a source of great comfort and motivation to live in accordance with His will.



Conclusion: Can Scientology and Biblical Christianity Be Reconciled?


After examining the core beliefs and teachings of Scientology in light of the Bible, it becomes evident that the two are fundamentally incompatible. From the nature of God to the path of salvation, the teachings of Scientology diverge sharply from the clear and authoritative teachings of Scripture.


The Bible calls believers to "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3), and to be discerning of teachings that deviate from the truth of God's Word. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." As Christians, it is crucial to remain steadfast in the truth of the Bible and to reject any teachings that undermine or contradict it.


Scientology, with its emphasis on self-reliance, vague concept of God, and rejection of biblical salvation, stands in stark contrast to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is clear that Scientology and biblical Christianity cannot be reconciled, as they represent two fundamentally different worldviews.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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