A google search for Scientology/AMORC will turn up a thread from nine years ago, started by an atheist skeptic, and asking whether AMORC is just a cheaper/low-pressure version of Scientology.
I'm only a 1st degree initiate of CR+C and I've never been a Scientologist, although I've followed the ex-Scientologist movement from afar. So I'd like to give my own brief take on what I perceive to be the similarities and differences.
Similarities
Both groups posit certain ideas about the nature of the human being, the soul, immortality and paranormal experiences.
Differences
CR+C does not have a "fee per service" model. There are membership dues, as you would expect from any fraternal organization, country club, etc. These amount to US$25 quarterly or US$35 for a "plus one" companion membership for two people living at the same address. Payments can be made through PayPal for your security. Included at no additional cost are study materials mailed to you quarterly. Membership is reserved to people aged 18+ and no restrictions are placed on your religious beliefs or other associations, be they personal, professional or political.
The cost to do all twelve degrees of AMORC/CR+C initiations would run you less than US$1000. Compared to what I've heard about the total cost of getting to OT VIII in Scientology, that's a drop in the bucket. And that doesn't even begin to address the differences between Scientology's (alleged) child abuse, financial fraud and "disconnection" policy as compared to AMORC/CR+C which engage in none of those things.
In conclusion, while many people might say that both sets of teachings amount to spiritual nonsense, and that's fine, I can't help but think there's no moral or ethical similarity between Scientology and these two Rosicrucian Orders.
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