7. Prof. Urbano Alonso Galan
Theologian and Philosopher, Madrid, Spain

Prof. Alonso also utilized an adaptation of the three-pronged approach, focusing on doctrine, ritual, organization and spiritual objective. He found that Scientology comprises a “community of persons united with a complex body of beliefs, in its search for the infinite, the sacred, searching to place man into his proper relationship with the divine,” and concluded that “Scientology fulfills completely the requirements that can be asked of any religion.”

These well-grounded, thorough and balanced expert opinions are supported by dozens of others. Together they illustrate the wide variety of approaches to the analysis of religious thought and practice utilizing “ethically neutral” standards. And they are unequivocal in their findings that Scientology is a bona fide religion in every respect.

Each of these expert opinions gives a fascinating depiction of the essential characteristics of any religion and how these characteristics are manifested in Scientology. While much can be gained by reading them, a further dimension can be gained by what follows: a description of the Scientology religion that plainly shows the transcendent dimension of its beliefs, practices and organization. In reading these chapters you will easily see how Scientology shares fundamental characteristics with other religions and serves the common functions described above. You also will see something even more important—how Scientology is dedicated to offering man a practical and attainable path to spiritual salvation.