Scientology and the Substantive Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Comparative Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Functional Definition of Religion

Scientology and the Analytical Definition of Religion

Sharing a Body of Doctrine

Participation in Rituals and Acts of Devotion

Direct Experience of Ultimate Reality

Religious Knowledge

Consequences in Quotidian Life

Scientology and the Emic Definitions of Religions

Conclusions

These different types of definitions include:

Substantive definitions of religion which attempt to characterize “from within” or in terms of the intrinsic significance;

Comparative definitions of religion which approach it by distinction from other systems of meanings;

Functional definitions of religion which characterize it in terms of its consequences over other spheres of social and personal life;

Analytical definitions of religion which characterize it by the distinct aspects which religious phenomena encompass; and