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Dialogues@RU is published
annually
by the
Writing Program at
Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey
Volume 4
Fall 2005
Scientology and its Potential for Dominance as a World Religion - Page 8
By Stephen Linguito
Beginning at this superficial level, Linguito addresses Scientology's current status as a booming New Age religion, nationally and globally, due to its willingness to expand and adjust itself wherever possible. However, this extreme willingness is precisely where Scientology's future becomes shaky. Determined to explore its adaptability beyond this superficial level, Linguito skillfully begins to break through that seemingly unblemished surface, uncovering controversial areas in which Scientologists strive to keep covered. Touching upon what he calls "extra-religious" activities ¾ the "aggressive persuasion" techniques used at orientation, the illegal and immoral practices found at the heart of the "profit-driven" leaders, and the brainwashing involved in the Rehabilitation Project Force program ¾ Linguito forces his readers to not only question Scientology's future, but also to develop their own perspective.
As one who has been unfamiliar with Scientology, I would certainly feel enticed to join a religious community that is willing to conform to what I, as a unique individual, need or want in a religion. I would also feel great relief to know that I have found a religion that is forever current with our changing society, rather than remaining close to a belief system that may no longer mesh well with the twenty-first century. At the same time, however, I would feel concerned about Scientology's desire for money and the extent to which it pushes itself to get what it wants - i.e. ruining people like Martin Samuels. Just as important, I would also wonder why the leaders must use aggressive persuasion in order to recruit new members and why there is such a desperate need to prevent its members from straying toward other religions. If Scientologists recognize how each individual is unique, with different needs that must be met, then they ought to be sensitive to the fact that perhaps some people just need something more than what Scientology offers. These people should be free to leave, not be forced into re-education camps. Excessive aggressiveness only creates a hindrance to Scientology because, as Linguito writes, people will begin to think their importance comes second to that of the leaders. Furthermore, it shows how Scientology is not nearly as perfect as it appears to be.
From Stephen Linguito's essay, we learn that there is no such thing as a perfect religion. If one did exist, people worldwide would flock to it. Scientology, like any other religion ¾ be it New Age or traditional ¾ has its flaws, some flaws worse than others, that create controversy which its leaders strive to keep silent. With everything good Scientology has to offer its potential members, I think it is possible for it to be as dominant as traditional religions such as Christianity, but I cannot foresee it transcending them completely. I agree with Stephen Linguito when he argues that for Scientology to prosper, its leaders would have to put an end to their "extra-religious" political activities, as well as their excessive aggressiveness. Yet, to add to this, and what I believe to be as important, I feel that Scientologists would also have to free themselves of the ambiguity they pride themselves on, because to say you are all things to all people creates contradiction, confusion, and frustration. One person may believe spirituality is the most important thing one can attain and so may turn to Scientology, but learning that this religion is willing to satisfy the needs of another person who, perhaps, believes materialistic goals are the most important thing to attain can embitter the spiritual person. At the same time, one person may revel in a religion that constantly stays current with "new social circumstances," but that same person could be turned away by an inability to pinpoint what precisely is Scientology's belief system.
It seems as though the blessings of Scientology ¾ ambiguity and flexibility ¾ are curses in disguise. Nevertheless, these two components are precisely what form Scientology's foundation. To rid itself of its foundation is to complicate things further, thus creating for Scientology a shaky, unstable, and uncertain future, one that could severely inhibit an attempt to transcend traditional religions.