Scientology and the Substantive Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Comparative Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Functional Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Analytical Definition of Religion

Sharing a Body of Doctrine

Participation in Rituals and Acts of Devotion

Direct Experience of Ultimate Reality

Religious Knowledge

Consequences in Quotidian Life

Scientology and the Emic Definitions of Religions

Conclusions

iv. SCIENTOLOGY AND THE ANALYTICAL DEFINITIONS OF RELIGION

Another of the forms in which religion is currently defined in the social sciences is in the analytic manner, that is, characterizing it by the different ways in which the religion manifests itself. From this perspective there is considered to exist considerable consensus among all religions regarding the forms through which the religious person expresses his religiosity, by which it becomes possible to establish those aspects which constitute such religiosity. These aspects include:

a) Sharing the beliefs which constitute the body of doctrine of the group;

b) Participating in rituals and acts of devotion;

c) Experiencing direct contact with ultimate reality;

d) Acquiring religious information; and

e) Experiencing changes or results in quotidian life derived from the other aspects of religiosity. (Stark and Gluck 1985)