Are Scientology & Christian Science related in any way? Did Hubbard study Mary Baker

Darin C · #1 (**permalink**) 06-24-2010, 01:22 AM

Scientology was started by L. Ron Hubbard a couple of decades ago, and Christian Science was started by Mary Baker Eddy in the 1800's. Some of their ideas about soul and positive influences seem similar.

Does anyone know if they are related? Did Hubbard study Eddy?

Ambivalent Bittern PJA · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2010, 01:22 AM

Not at all. Mary Baker Eddy started Christian Science in the late 1800s. It's a true religion, without all the weird gizmo's and coltish behavior.

I haven't heard any real connection, but there's an interesting interview here http://www.rickross.com/reference/cscience/cscience23.html

MaryAnne · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2010, 01:22 AM

They were both influenced by Spiritualism and other types of occultism.

southernbelle540 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2010, 01:22 AM

I read somewhere that L.Ron Hubbard started a new religion and church to avoid paying taxes.

sahusatyaranjan · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2010, 01:22 AM

They are not related, but he may have read her, but i can't imagine he would ever admit to it.

Some of the ideas do seem a bit similar, but I've only really read publications by the Christian Science Publishing Society. I've read ABOUT Scientology, but have not studied it. But what I've read suggests to me, too, that he may have read it! (I'm not a Christian Scientist, but i get 2 of their magazines).