Was/Is Christian Science the precursor to Dianetics/Scientology?

[no_hypocrisy]

Both claim disciples can attain wealth and success if you believe in their principles.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. No. That claim is an earmark of religions, overtly or implied

Even in mainstream christian religions (there are many), there is the saying "God helps those who help themselves" and parables about not "hiding your light" under a bushel basket.

Other than that, they have completely different origins and orientations and operations.

"Christian Science" is basically "christian".
"Scientology" believes aliens made humans.

[3Hotdogs]

4. ...aliens made humans. That explains Trump.

Where's the nearest Scientology outpost I can join?

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. The one in Roswell: Caption: "You fools! It's getting away!"

[Karadeniz]

9. Not hiding your light under a basket... I think the light is energy, the soul, and the basket, the

body, the image being that a human is inherently both physical and spiritual. I don't think the light relates to material wealth. Maybe I'm wrong!!!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

10. I take it to mean "Don't be shy about your talents", which generates prosperity

I did write "overtly or implied". This falls under implied.

[Karadeniz]

11. Generally, light in the New Testament describes soul and god energy. But the ancient mystics

would definitely consider soul as our primary asset/talent!!!

[Easterncedar]

2. Scientology is a criminal enterprise, not Christian at all

Christian scientists actually believe in the benefits of having a thoughtful, well-educated and informed populace.

[edhopper]

12. With the caveat

that science based medicine is a farce and you can only be cured through prayer. Which is neither an informed or educated stance.

[Easterncedar]

13. Yes, indeed. And it has done immeasurable harm

Misguided. Foolish. Judge-y. But not crazy cultish like Hubbard’s horror show.

[edhopper]

19. Scientology is a scam

has been from day one. CS is a religion with misguided beliefs. (aren't they all )
But it is amazing how scams can become hard felt beliefs, like Scientology, or Mormonism, or Trumpism.

[Major Nikon]

23. I think it all comes down to how one is conditioned to think

The biggest problem with religion is it’s inevitably indoctrinated into children and affects their ability to reason. When one’s convictions exceed the available evidence it’s time to question those convictions, but religion teaches the exact opposite and goes one step farther by discouraging anyone from calling bullshit.

[edhopper]

24. Judaism does have you ask questions

but you are suppose to accept the Rabbi's answer. In my case I didn't and kept asking until Judaism (or religion in general) no longer made sense.

[Major Nikon]

25. The underlying problem is still the same

Regardless of how the proposition is presented, religion expects people to have strong convictions about something with zero real evidence. There's just no way to do that without suspending reason and critical thinking.

[edhopper]

26. This is also true.

[Major Nikon]

16. No more so than any other organized religion

While the origins and basic theology might be different, many of the tenants are the same. In the case of both the “science” part of the name is more of an oxymoron.

[John1956PA]

3. Years ago, some Hollywood actors were Christian Scientists.

A few a them shunned medical treatment because of their beliefs, and died as the result.

[Timeflyer]

5. Scientology is a money making scam created by a con man.

[Major Nikon]

17. Not unlike Christianity

Paul created Christianity by carving out mosaic law exceptions for affluent Greek and Roman gentiles to enrich himself. He was no less of a con man.

[edhopper]

20. Interesting take

I just thought he was a sexually repressed wacko.

[Major Nikon]

21. A common theme for both

[delisen]

6. Christian Science is health not wealth focused

Do you have some teachings of Christian Scientists that focus on wealth building?
I have only seen those focused on health and healing.

[Easterncedar]

14. Right.

Not like dianetics, or even like the “Prosperity Theology” evangelicals, who are just so not Christian, as I learned it. (I am not a Christian, but I do hang around some.)

[jmbar2]

8. I've known several Christian Scientists for a long time

None of them are nutty. They just believe in prayer over medicine. The ones I know all are living (lived) to ripe old ages. However, I would worry over CS parents of kids with treatable illnesses.

[mike_c]

15. they're only similar in name

[Major Nikon]

18. Both use hocus pocus pseudoscience to convince people to shun actual science

Don’t sound all that different.

[mike_c]

22. true that

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