Is Scientology considered a Christian cult?

Definition and Origin

Scientology is a religious system developed by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, primarily outlined in his book “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.” Its foundational teachings involve an emphasis on self-help, a concept of spiritual rehabilitation, and practices intended to free individuals from engrams (perceived harmful mental images). Though it presents itself as a religion, Scientology is not historically or doctrinally derived from the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, a significant difference when evaluating whether it fits the criteria of a Christian movement.

Core Teachings of Scientology

Scientology’s belief system includes the concept of the Thetan (akin to a spiritual identity) that has existed for trillions of years, and suggests that certain practices—like “auditing”—can release a person from spiritual distress. According to official Scientology writings, humans are essentially fallen gods who must recover their inherent spiritual abilities.

Certain teachings involve past life regressions, extraterrestrial influence, and salvation primarily through self-realization and personal progress, rather than through reliance on a personal Creator or a single atoning act. These tenets stand in contrast to any orthodox understanding of the Holy Scriptures.

Foundational Christian Doctrine

Biblically, salvation is centered on the belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As stated in Scripture: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This redemptive work is entirely dependent on Christ’s atoning sacrifice (see 1 Peter 2:24), not upon rediscovering an innate spiritual capacity within humans.

Furthermore, the Christian canon strongly affirms the eternal nature and deity of Christ: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:1,14). This central doctrinal confession of the deity of Jesus does not align with Scientology’s theology, which does not affirm Christ as the unique, divine Son of God.

Differences in the Concept of God

Scientology does not present a consistently defined, personal Creator. By contrast, biblical teaching repeatedly affirms Yahweh as the Creator and Sovereign over all: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Old Testament prophetic texts (e.g., Isaiah 45:18) and New Testament affirmations (e.g., Colossians 1:16) emphasize God’s singular creativity and sovereignty, denying the polytheistic or fluid concept of divinity sometimes implied in Scientology’s metaphysical pursuit.

Christ’s Resurrection as Central

Central to Christian faith is the historical and bodily resurrection of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:3–6), documented in Scripture and supported by archaeological, historical, and manuscript evidence. Followers of Christ are saved by trusting in His completed work, not by progressive self-liberation or revelation of hidden knowledge. The global uniformity in the earliest manuscripts—such as the many papyri confirming the content of the Gospels—and the testimony of first-century eyewitnesses (e.g., the account of over 500 witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15:6) stand in stark contrast to Scientology’s more recent writings, which do not rely on verified ancient manuscripts tied to the historical events surrounding Jesus.

Manuscript Reliability and Historical Consistency

The Bible’s manuscript evidence—spanning the Dead Sea Scrolls of the Old Testament to the large collections of Greek New Testament manuscripts—reinforces its accuracy and authenticity. Such a consistent record, extending back centuries before Scientology’s founding, highlights the cohesive message of Scripture regarding sin, salvation, God’s nature, and humanity’s need for atonement. Because Scientology originated in the mid-20th century and bases its claims primarily on Hubbard’s own formulated concepts rather than verifiable ancient sources, it lacks the substantiation that the biblical text has through archaeology and textual criticism.

Scientology’s Relationship to Christianity

Despite sometimes presenting itself as compatible with Christian principles, Scientology diverges fundamentally in its view of Christ, salvation, the afterlife, and the nature of God. It neither affirms the full deity of Jesus nor believes He is the sole means of salvation. Instead, it teaches an alternative system of spiritual progress. These factors place Scientology outside the doctrinal boundaries of biblical Christianity.

The term “cult” within Christian discussions often refers to a religious group claiming any form of Christian identity but rejecting or distorting key essentials of the faith regarding God’s nature, Jesus’ identity, or the means of salvation. While Scientology does not always overtly claim to be Christian, some affiliated individuals may use Christian terminology. In light of its departure from Christianity’s essential doctrines, it is generally categorized by most theologians as a belief system entirely distinct from biblical Christianity.

Evaluation Through Scripture

Scripture admonishes believers to test teachings and spirits: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Testing involves comparing doctrines with the inspired Word. Because Scientology’s core tenets do not align with foundational biblical truths—specifically the necessity of Christ’s atonement, the holiness of God, and the singular authority of Scripture—it fails the biblical test of orthodoxy.

Additionally, Jesus Himself taught that true worshippers must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Biblical truth consistently points to Christ as the sole path to eternal life (John 14:6). Any movement teaching self-salvation or an impersonal creative force departs from the heart of Christian revelation.

Conclusion

Based on fundamental discrepancies regarding the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the route to salvation, Scientology cannot be classified as a branch or expression of Christianity. It is often regarded by Christian scholars as a system separate from—and incompatible with—the teachings of Scripture.

Whether it is labeled a cult in formal Christian discussions depends on specific definitions. However, the consensus remains that Scientology’s fundamental beliefs and practices are irreconcilable with the heart of biblical Christianity. For believers seeking to understand differing faith traditions, Scripture provides clarity that salvation, true spiritual transformation, and the knowledge of God come solely through the person and work of Jesus Christ, not through any other system of self-help or alternative revelation.