Mini Episode #23: The Apologetics Series - Scientology (Featuring: Elizabeth Peck)

Mini Episode #23 is here! 

What is Scientology—and how does it compare to Christianity? In this episode, we break down its origins (including Dianetics), core beliefs, and most importantly—how we can have meaningful, truth-filled conversations with those who hold this worldview.

As believers, we’re called not just to know truth, but to speak it in love. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

And next week… we are sitting down with Aaron Abramson, CEO of Jews for Jesus—a global ministry dedicated to sharing Jesus as the Messiah with Jewish people. He brings powerful insight, deep biblical truth, and a perspective on current events in the Middle East through a gospel-centered lens.

Trust me… you’ll want to tune in!

Follow along on Instagram @letstalkaboutit.convos for full video episodes, updates, and extra content!

All glory to God! 

"Let's Talk About It" is a podcast for young adults navigating real life and real faith. From doubts and church hurt to purpose, relationships, identity, and even financial advice - we dive into the conversations most people avoid but everyone's thinking about. No fluff, no filters - just honest talk to help you follow Jesus in today's world. Enjoy monthly episodes featuring powerful insights from Christian young adult leaders and voices shaping today's faith culture.

Hosted by Elizabeth Peck.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:13

Hey guys, welcome back to Let's Talk About It. This is mini episode number 23 in our apologetics series. And today we're talking about Scientology. Now, this is one of those belief systems that a lot of people have heard of, but don't really understand. So today we're going to break it down what it is, where it came from, what they believe, and most importantly, how it compares to biblical Christianity and how we can lovingly share the truth. So let's talk about it. What is Scientology? Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, and at its core, it teaches that you are not just a body, you're a spiritual being called a Thetan. And the goal? To become what they call clear, basically freeing yourself from past trauma and negative experiences through a process called auditing. So right away you'll notice something. Scientology is very self-focused. It's about you fixing you. But scripture tells us a very different story. Jeremiah chapter 17, verse 9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick. Who can understand it? So the Bible doesn't say, look within and fix yourself. It says we actually need something outside of ourselves. Scientology grew out of something called Dianetics, which Hubbard originally presented as more of a self-help system. But over time it evolved into a full religious movement. And today it's known worldwide with strong presence in places like LA and Florida. But here's what's important. Just because something is popular or influential does not mean it's true. Colossians chapter 2, verse 8 warns us. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. So let's really get into it. What does Scientology actually teach? They don't believe in sin the way the Bible describes it. They don't believe in a personal holy God. And they don't believe Jesus is the Savior in the biblical sense. Instead, salvation is about self-realization and spiritual advancement. But the Bible says something very clearer. In Romans chapter 3, verse 23, it says, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Also in Romans chapter 6, verse 23, it says, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. So the issue is not just trauma. The issue is sin. And the solution is not self-improvement, it's a savior. John chapter 14, verse 6, we find here that Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Not a process, not through levels, not through effort, through Jesus Christ. Scientology has followers across the world, especially in California, Florida, where clear water is a major hub, Europe, and in celebrity and entertainment spaces. But even beyond official followers, you'll notice something. Those ideas are everywhere in our culture today. Second Timothy chapter 4, verses 3 through 4 says, For the time is coming when people will not endorse sound teaching, but they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. So, how do you actually share the gospel with someone who believes in Scientology? First, lead with love. Not you're wrong, but help me understand what you believe. First Peter chapter 3, verse 15 says that we are to always be prepared to give an answer, but we must do this with gentleness and respect. You might say something like, Hey, can I ask you something? What do you believe about God? And let them talk. And then gently ask them, Do you believe we need saving from anything? Because that's where the shift happens. Then you can share. You know, I used to think life was about becoming better too, but I realized I could not fix my own heart. Ephesians chapter two, verses eight through nine says, For by grace you have been saved through faith. It's not a result of works, so that no one may boast. You could even say to them, What if the answer is not becoming better, but being rescued? Titus chapter three, verse five says, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, and always bring it back to Jesus. Second Corinthians chapter five, verse twenty-one says, For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. That's the gospel, not self-effort, not levels, not striving, but grace. If you take anything from this episode, let it be this. There are so many belief systems that say you can fix yourself, but Christianity says you can't fix yourself. So Jesus did. John chapter 8, verse 36 says, So if the sun sets you free, you will be free indeed. Thanks for tuning in to mini episode number 23 of the apologetics series. Next week we will learn more about Judaism, our mini episode number 24, featuring our special guest, Aaron Abramson. He's the CEO for Jews for Jesus, which is a wonderful ministry that is reaching Jews across the world and teaching them about the promised Messiah. We can't wait for you to hear this episode. And there are still more special guests to come for our apologetic series. And I'm so excited for you to hear all these conversations. It's gonna be a blast. Follow along on Instagram at letstalkaboutit.convos, where you will find full-length video episodes, updates, and behind the scenes content. The mission remains the same to equip young adults to live and look more like Jesus every day. This is all for King Jesus. See you next time.