It is NOT based on a book of science fiction.
It is a philosophy arrived at by L. Ron Hubbard, who, like many people, had more than one income.
He wrote science fiction short stories and novels to finance his other interests in life.
His science fiction writing and Scientology are not related.
Science = from the root word 'scio' or knowlege,
and ...ology = the study of.
Scientology means the study of knowing.
That's all there is to it.
Now, Christianity? Who cares what it's based on.
The teachings within it are worth knowing.
Live a clean life.
Ask forgiveness when you're wrong.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
etc.
Put Scientology and Christianity together and the world would be a better place.
Not to knock any religion, but what has recently become public by the many former members bailing out of Scientology, it appears to be more of a cult. At least this is how the outside is perceiving it. Is this incorrect?
a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents. : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents.
And I understand quite well, how it is rather misunderstood by "the outside". I know this from personal experience.
I would also venture to suggest that in the same amount of time, just as many - more? - adherents have dropped out of Catholicism, or Budhism, or the Amish, etc.
Isn't it odd those "drop-outs" don't get as much attention?
Many of the Scientology dropouts are "celebrities" and most are already considered strange or abnormal. So naturally they get more publicity.
Isn't it strange that most people who hear voices are considered mentally ill, unless it is an all powerful invisible being, then they are considered blessed?
Well, there is no preaching and there is no gospel in Scientology.
Do you know what the word Scientology means?
And in response to the previous post, Scn. is not "based" on a book of Science fiction.
In addition to founding the church, L. Ron Hubbard was also a writer to help finance his projects. That's the only relationship to Scn.
Quit believing what you read in the tabloids, which were written by others who also didn't know what they were talking about.
Hilarious. His own great grandson as confused as everyone else.
He takes some facts and then builds upon them with his own misconceptions.
But guess what - even he is making money on Scn.
People will never stop trying to tear down what they fear.