Church of Scientology

The Church of Scientology is a new religious movement that was founded by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard as an organization dedicated to the practice of Scientology, an "applied religious philosophy" formulated by Hubbard.

Finances

Scientologists are invited to attend any number of classes, exercises or counseling sessions, for a set range of fees (or "fixed donations"). Charges for auditing and other church-related courses run from hundreds to thousands of dollars. A wide variety of entry-level courses, representing 8 to 16 hours study, cost under $100 (US). More advanced courses require membership in the International Association of Scientologists (IAS). Membership without taking expensive courses or auditing is possible, but the higher states of Scientology cannot be reached this way. In 1994/95, Operation Clambake, a website highly critical of the Church of Scientology, estimated the cost of reaching "OT IX readiness", one of the highest levels, is US $365,000 – $380,000. http://www.xenu.net/archive/CoS_prices.html

Related Topics:
International Association of Scientologists - Operation Clambake

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Critics say it is improper to fix a donation for religious service; therefore the activity is non-religious. The Church of Scientology points out many classes, exercises and counseling may also be traded for "in kind" or performed cooperatively by students for no cost, and members of its most devoted orders need donate nothing for services.

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