I think Scientology would not be so controversial if they'd present themselves more as a "whole mind & body healt regime" as opposed to religion. While I'm not well versed on the practices, there is quite a bit of clearing the mind, healthy lifestyle to it. And of course there were some off shoot branches that were associated with some of Manson's folks so that sure didn't help them. Not saying Scientologists are Satanists, but there have been some rogue off shoots that were in to a lot of creepy stuff.
Here's where I elaborate on my previous statement. From Dictionary.com, the definition of Cult -
1.a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2.an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3.the object of such devotion.
4.a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5.Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
6.a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
7.the members of such a religion or sect.
8.any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
I view Christianity the same as I view Scientology. Whether or not a "God" is involved, it is a cult.
It would be fine if the Scientology folks were Satanists, they would probably be more normal. We all have a little bit of Satanism in us. The basis behind Satanism isn't all dark and evil, it's how you live your life. Although I am not religious at all, I would fall more into the Satanist category because I live my life for me, for my family. I don't take care of my body 100% of the time by eating the healthiest foods, and I don't follow a set of rules defined by a religion. Satanism isn't about murder and mayhem, it's about worshipping yourself.
Sorry to get off track, just wanted to clear that up.