Unsolved:Doctrine of Exchange
The Doctrine of Exchange is a central tenet[1] of Scientology, which dictates that for spiritual well-being, "anytime a person receives something, he must pay something back"[2] and balance "inflow" with "outflow".[1] The Church of Scientology has presented this as the reason some of its services, such as auditing, its central practice of Scientology,[3] must never be given away, but must be paid for.
Quid pro quo transactions are prohibited in tax-exempt organizations,[citation needed] and the Church of Scientology has argued in its requests for tax exemption that Scientology courses must have fixed fees because of this religious doctrine.[citation needed]
Exceptions
Not all services fall under the Doctrine. The Church has identified some services as examples of services where "no donation is expected from members":[4]
- Listening to lectures, whether from fellow parishioners or playing L. Ron Hubbard’s lectures on tape
- Reading Scientology scripture in the Church library
- Meeting with fellow parishioners
- Receiving counseling (but not auditing) from a Scientology chaplain
- Attending Sunday services, sermons, weddings, christenings or funerals
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "HERNANDEZ v. COMMISSIONER (1989)". Thomson Reuters. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/490/680.html.
- ↑ "ROBERT L. HERNANDEZ, PETITIONER V. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, October Term, 1988". Department of Justice. http://www.usdoj.gov/osg/briefs/1988/sg880419.txt.
- ↑ "Scientology Counselling - The Practice of Scientology". http://www.e-meter.org.uk/.
- ↑ "How are Churches of Scientology supported financially?". © 1995–2019 Church of Scientology International. https://www.scientologynews.org/faq/how-are-churches-of-scientology-financially-supported.html.
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