Mormonism vs. Scientology

Attribute	Mormonism	Scientology
Founder	Joseph Smith	L. Ron Hubbard
Scripture	Book of Mormon	Scientology scriptures
Belief in God	Belief in God as a separate being from Jesus and the Holy Spirit	Belief in a higher power or supreme being
Belief in Afterlife	Belief in three levels of heaven	Belief in reincarnation and spiritual progression
Practices	Regular church attendance, baptism, temple rituals	Auditing sessions, training courses, purification rituals

Beliefs

Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a Christian religion that believes in the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe in the concept of the Trinity, with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as separate beings. They also believe in the importance of family and eternal marriage. On the other hand, Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard and is based on his teachings. Scientologists believe in the concept of the Thetan, which is the spiritual being that is the core of a person's existence. They also believe in the idea of past lives and the concept of spiritual enlightenment through auditing sessions.

Practices

In Mormonism, members participate in regular worship services on Sundays, as well as other activities such as youth programs and missionary work. Mormons also practice baptism and partake in the sacrament, which is similar to communion in other Christian religions. Additionally, Mormons believe in the importance of temple ordinances and strive to live by a strict moral code. On the other hand, Scientologists participate in auditing sessions, which involve a form of counseling to help individuals overcome past traumas and negative experiences. Scientologists also engage in various courses and training programs to advance spiritually and reach higher levels of awareness.

Organization

Mormonism is organized hierarchically, with a prophet at the head of the church who is considered to be a direct line of communication with God. Below the prophet are other leaders, such as apostles and bishops, who oversee different aspects of the church. The Mormon Church is divided into wards and stakes, which are local congregations and groups of congregations, respectively. On the other hand, Scientology is organized in a more centralized manner, with the Church of Scientology International overseeing all Scientology churches and organizations worldwide. The leader of the Church of Scientology is known as the Chairman of the Board and holds significant power within the organization.

History

Mormonism was founded in the early 19th century by Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received revelations from God. The religion faced persecution and eventually settled in Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young. Since then, Mormonism has grown to become a global religion with millions of members. Scientology, on the other hand, was founded in the mid-20th century by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer. Hubbard's teachings gained popularity, and Scientology has since grown into a worldwide organization with a significant presence in Hollywood and other industries.

Controversies

Both Mormonism and Scientology have faced controversies and criticism over the years. Mormonism has been criticized for its past practices, such as polygamy and racial discrimination, as well as its stance on LGBTQ rights. Scientology has faced criticism for its secretive nature, alleged abusive practices, and high financial costs for members. Both religions have also been accused of being cult-like and controlling over their members. Despite these controversies, both Mormonism and Scientology continue to attract followers and maintain a strong presence in the religious landscape.