What exactly are Scientology beliefs? Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, is a religion that emphasizes self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment through a process called auditing. At its core, Scientology believes that humans are immortal spiritual beings, known as Thetans, who have forgotten their true nature. The religion teaches that through specific practices, individuals can achieve a state of "Clear," free from the subconscious barriers that limit their potential. Scientologists also believe in the existence of past lives and that personal improvement can lead to a better world. With its unique blend of spiritual and practical teachings, Scientology offers a distinct perspective on life, purpose, and the universe.
Key Takeaways:
- Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard, focuses on spiritual growth through auditing and the concept of the "thetan." It has unique beliefs about the mind, offers various practices, and has faced controversies.
- Despite controversies, Scientology has a global presence, offers education and training programs, and engages in community service and disaster relief efforts through its Volunteer Ministers program.
What is Scientology?
Scientology is a religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s. It focuses on spiritual rehabilitation through a process called auditing. Here are some fascinating facts about Scientology beliefs.
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Origin: Scientology was established in 1952 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. It evolved from his earlier self-help system called Dianetics.
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Thetan: Central to Scientology is the concept of the "thetan," which is the true spiritual self of a person, separate from the body and mind.
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Auditing: This is a core practice where an auditor helps a person recall past experiences to free them from negative influences.
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E-Meter: During auditing, an electronic device called an E-Meter is used to measure the subject's mental state and stress levels.
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Bridge to Total Freedom: Scientologists follow a path called the Bridge to Total Freedom, which outlines steps for spiritual advancement.
Beliefs about the Mind and Spirit
Scientology has unique views on the mind and spirit, emphasizing the importance of spiritual well-being over physical or mental health.
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Reactive Mind: Scientologists believe in the existence of a reactive mind that stores painful and traumatic memories, which auditing aims to clear.
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Analytical Mind: In contrast, the analytical mind is the rational, conscious part of the mind that makes decisions and solves problems.
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Past Lives: The religion teaches that thetans have lived through multiple past lives and will continue to be reborn.
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Clear: A person who has undergone auditing to remove the reactive mind's influence is referred to as "Clear."
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Operating Thetan (OT): This is a higher state of spiritual awareness and ability, achieved through advanced auditing.
Practices and Rituals
Scientology has various practices and rituals that members follow to enhance their spiritual growth and understanding.
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Training Routines (TRs): These are exercises designed to improve communication skills and increase awareness.
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Purification Rundown: A detoxification program involving exercise, sauna sessions, and vitamins to cleanse the body of toxins.
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Sunday Service: Scientologists hold weekly services that include readings from Hubbard's works and group auditing sessions.
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Ceremonies: They perform ceremonies for weddings, naming children, and funerals, similar to other religions.
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Code of Honor: A set of ethical guidelines that Scientologists strive to follow in their daily lives.
Controversies and Criticisms
Scientology has faced significant controversies and criticisms over the years, often related to its practices and beliefs.
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Secrecy: Critics argue that the church is overly secretive about its teachings, especially the advanced levels.
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Financial Cost: Achieving higher levels in Scientology often requires significant financial contributions, leading to accusations of it being a money-making scheme.
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Disconnection Policy: This policy encourages members to cut ties with those deemed antagonistic to Scientology, including family members.
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Legal Battles: The church has been involved in numerous legal disputes, often related to its tax-exempt status and treatment of former members.
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Celebrity Involvement: High-profile celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta are prominent Scientologists, which has both helped and hurt the church's public image.
Scientology and Science Fiction
Given its founder's background, it's no surprise that Scientology has elements that resemble science fiction.
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Xenu: According to advanced teachings, Xenu is an alien ruler who brought billions of people to Earth 75 million years ago, a story often ridiculed by critics.
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Galactic Confederacy: This is a group of planets and civilizations mentioned in Scientology's advanced teachings.
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Space Opera: Hubbard's writings include elaborate stories about intergalactic conflicts and ancient civilizations, referred to as "space opera."
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Advanced Technology: Scientology claims to use advanced technology, like the E-Meter, to aid in spiritual development.
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Science Fiction Influence: Many of Hubbard's science fiction works contain themes and concepts that later appeared in Scientology.
Global Presence and Expansion
Despite controversies, Scientology has a global presence and continues to expand its reach.
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Churches Worldwide: There are Scientology churches and missions in over 150 countries.
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Translations: Hubbard's works have been translated into dozens of languages to reach a broader audience.
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Volunteer Ministers: Scientologists often engage in community service and disaster relief efforts through their Volunteer Ministers program.
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Celebrity Centers: Special centers cater to celebrities, offering them privacy and exclusive services.
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Media Production: The church owns and operates its own media production facilities to create promotional content and educational materials.
Education and Training
Scientology places a strong emphasis on education and training, both for spiritual development and practical skills.
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Study Technology: Developed by Hubbard, this method aims to improve learning and comprehension.
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Applied Scholastics: An organization that promotes Hubbard's educational methods in schools and tutoring programs.
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Sea Organization: An elite group within Scientology that requires a lifetime commitment and rigorous training.
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Ethics Training: Members undergo ethics training to align their behavior with Scientology's principles.
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Professional Courses: Scientology offers courses on communication, leadership, and other skills to help members succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Final Thoughts on Scientology Beliefs
Scientology beliefs are a mix of spirituality, self-improvement, and unique practices. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, this religion focuses on the concept of the Thetan, an immortal spiritual being. Auditing is a key practice, aiming to clear past traumas. The E-meter is a tool used during auditing sessions to measure spiritual distress. Scientologists believe in reincarnation and that humans are inherently good. The Bridge to Total Freedom outlines the path to spiritual enlightenment. Critics often highlight the church's secrecy and controversial practices. Despite this, many followers find personal growth and community within Scientology. Understanding these beliefs provides insight into a religion that continues to intrigue and polarize. Whether you're curious or skeptical, knowing these facts helps in grasping the essence of Scientology.
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