(5) Scientology has the character of a “this world” religion reminiscent of Soka Gakkai where business success honestly obtained is seen as a sign of positive spiritual evolution. We can also draw a parallel between the ethics of Scientology and those of traditional Protestantism. In the latter case, success in worldly affairs testifies to a state of grace, and in the former it is the outward manifestation of the person’s work on his own personality, of a personal religious and moral code made up principally of psychological liberation techniques that free the individual spiritually, and the application of a very concrete system of morality.

(6) It is not a sect – it is not exclusive, and the follower is not obliged to renounce his former religion, although most practice Scientology exclusively.

(7) The religious character of the Church of Scientology has been asserted since the early 1950s, according to the brochure the Church of Scientology International published on the occasion of its 40th anniversary in 1994. The Church of Scientology International, headquartered in Los Angeles, is described as the Mother Church (as the one of Boston for Christian Scientists). There is reference to the parishioners and religious brotherhood, pastoral services and church-affiliated charitable works. Moreover, during the recent interviews of Scientologists that we have done, the religious dimension was more and more emphasized. By increasingly proclaiming its religious nature, Scientology attracts people in search of religion, whereas in its beginnings it attracted people seeking to solve personal problems. As Scientology developed, Dianetics became integrated into progress of the whole.