Difference between Mormon and Scientology
Among the religious movements that have come into prominence in recent years, Scientology and Mormonism are the two that have managed to polarize the global community the most. Scientology is known by many to be practiced by numerous high profile celebrities in the entertainment, business and sports industries and its penchant for unusually high monetary costs is mirrored to some degree by similar Mormonism practices. Let's see what else they have in common and what some of their differences are.
Profile
The church of Mormonism is officially called “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”, which seems to suggest a Christian leaning. However, the subtle reference to members as "saints" stands in contrast to Christian teachings with regard to proclaiming just anyone as "saints".
As for Scientology, the name is clearly a combination of the words “science” and “ology”, which seems to suggest–and in fact can be literally translated as–the "study of science". It is therefore interesting to note that many of their teachings are in direct conflict with established scientific fact.
Recruitment Process
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints ensures a steady streams of new recruits by way of more the than 50,000 missionaries that roam the earth in search of new converts to the fold. Their recruitment methods should be familiar to most people by now since they involve a lengthy talk on their religion followed by a gift of a free book.
Scientologists on the other hand, are generally more subtle in their approach and the recruitment process typically begins with a “free personality test” that inadvertently reveals your unhappiness whether you are aware of it or not.
Contributions
Mormons are expected to hand over 10% of everything that they earn…that is if they want to attain the highest level of salvation. This is a steep figure to be sure, but at $100,000 to $150,000 over the lifespan of a member, it pales in comparison to the Church of Scientology’s requirement of $275,000 to $350,000 that it asks of every member who wishes to reach OT 8. Some of the more vocal critics of Scientology have snidely suggested that this fee is intended to offset the costs of high living in Hollywood, which is one of the church’s strongholds.
Summary
Scientologist
- Name literally translates to “The Study of Science”
- Many beliefs are in conflict with scientific discoveries
- Recruits members by way of “free personality tests”
- Costs anywhere from $275,000 to $350,000 in order to reach the higher levels
Mormon
- Name is suggestive of Christian leanings, although members are referred to as "saints", which is in clear conflict with Christian teachings
- Recruits members by way of missionaries that travel to other countries all over the world
- Requires members to contribute 10% of all earning in order to reach the highest levels of salvation
