Atheism vs. Scientology

Attribute	Atheism	Scientology
Belief in God	No	Yes
Founder	N/A	L. Ron Hubbard
Scriptures	N/A	Scientology: A New Slant on Life, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
View on afterlife	No belief	Belief in reincarnation
Organization structure	N/A	Hierarchical with various levels and positions

Beliefs

Atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods. Atheists do not subscribe to any organized religion and typically rely on scientific evidence and reason to explain the world around them. They reject the idea of a higher power controlling their lives and instead focus on living a moral and ethical life based on humanistic principles.

Scientology, on the other hand, is a relatively new religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. It teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings called thetans who have forgotten their true nature. Through a series of counseling sessions known as auditing, followers aim to rid themselves of negative experiences and traumas to achieve spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

Origins

Atheism has no central figure or founder. It has existed in various forms throughout history, with notable atheists including philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Bertrand Russell. Atheism is often seen as a rejection of religious beliefs and a focus on rationality and skepticism.

Scientology, on the other hand, was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-20th century. Hubbard was a science fiction writer who developed the teachings of Scientology based on his book "Dianetics." The religion has faced criticism for its origins and Hubbard's background as a writer rather than a religious scholar.

Practices

Atheism does not have any specific practices or rituals associated with it. Atheists may engage in community activities or ethical discussions, but there are no set guidelines for how to practice atheism. The focus is on individual autonomy and critical thinking rather than adherence to a set of rules or rituals.

Scientology, on the other hand, has a structured set of practices and rituals for followers to engage in. These include auditing sessions, where followers use an E-meter to measure spiritual progress, as well as courses and training programs to advance through the levels of spiritual awareness within the religion.

Community

Atheism is not a unified community or organization. Atheists may come together in local groups or online forums to discuss their beliefs and share experiences, but there is no central authority or hierarchy within atheism. The focus is on individual autonomy and freedom of thought.

Scientology, on the other hand, has a highly organized community with churches and centers around the world. Followers are encouraged to participate in group activities and events, and there is a clear hierarchy within the religion based on levels of spiritual advancement. The community aspect of Scientology plays a significant role in the practice of the religion.

Controversies

Atheism is often a controversial topic, particularly in societies where religion plays a significant role in public life. Atheists may face discrimination or persecution for their beliefs, and atheism is sometimes seen as a threat to traditional values and beliefs. However, atheism itself is not inherently controversial; it is simply a lack of belief in a deity.

Scientology, on the other hand, has faced numerous controversies since its inception. Critics have accused the religion of being a cult, of exploiting its followers for financial gain, and of engaging in abusive practices. The secretive nature of Scientology and its high-profile celebrity followers have also contributed to its controversial reputation.