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Originally posted by Omega_M Jainism is very closely related to Hinduism, where both religions believe in the existence of "universal oneness" or the final "truth".

Some Hindus, usually more educated ones, use the term "god" in a metaphorical or pantheistic way, but lots of others don't. All Jains do, as far as I know. They don't believe in a creative / managerial god, which is what people usually mean by "higher power."

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Originally posted by glass "If you ever want to get rich, start a religion." Elron Huberd

thats just the tip of the ice berg my friend.

a long but eye opening read to say the least. an interview with L. Ron's son...L. Ron Jr. printed in hustler 1983

http://www.scientomogy.com/lronhubbardjr.php

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"The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him Gamblor, and it's time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!" - homer

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Originally posted by pkcRAISTLIN just one other question- surely a religion has some kind of "faith" in a "higher power"? can aliens be considered a higher power?

Thank you.

Can aliens be considered a higher power... I suppose, depending on who is doing the considering. Generally, I would suggest that the term "higher power" in it's religious/spiritual context would be reserved for entities/forces/dieties/conditions that are supernatural or beyond what one can observe/understand using sensory organs. In this way, the aliens that are dieafied in scientology would be considered to be a higher power as they are transformed into beings that exist beyond sensory perception.

Well this was certainly a great thread to read prior to heading to my first day of classes at uni this semester

I have to say though, I'm a bit surprised that that issue of finance hasn't arisen with regard to Scientology - that's certainly where my largest ethical issue with them stems from.

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last minute disco dot net

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Originally posted by MrJiveBoJingles All Jains do, as far as I know. They don't believe in a creative / managerial god, which is what people usually mean by "higher power."

It is true that Jains do not believe in one entity that is the creator and/or steward of existance. This is not to say they do not believe in a higher power. Jains believe in a universe that is eternal, self perpetuating, and self governing. The universal truth is thought to be a conscious force that governs all things including the karmic cycle. Due to the conscious attributes given to the universe/universal truth, it must be considered to be a higher power. Additionally, the Hindu concept of Brahman is nearly identical to the Jains belief in the eternal truths of the universe as the source for the Anantas, the only difference being the hindus give it a name.