Scientology is a religion created by L. Ron Hubbard, the science fiction writer. He was in an interview, and he said something along the lines of "I think a cult would be a very lucrative business" and then he wrote Dianetics: The Modern Science of mental Health.
They believe that humans were once immortal beings that have lost their way. There is also matter called Thetans, that they believe created the universe. And if you can become your single the tan again you will achieve immortality. (or something along those lines. It can be very complicated)
They use diabetics to audit each other, and reduce the the tans, the less the better is what I've gathered. 1 is the goal I suppose. The Audits cost money depending on the level, which is why they are recognized as a fascist organization in Germany.
So basically a science fiction writer *said* he was going to make up a religion. And then he did, and now people believe it with a vengeance.
Sure! Here you go from an actual Scientologist who has studied it and has the facts:
Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one?s true spiritual nature and one?s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.
Scientology addresses the spirit?not the body or mind?and believes that Man is far more than a product of his environment, or his genes.
Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these are:
Man is an immortal spiritual being.
His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.
His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.
Scientology further holds Man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself, his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.
Scientology is not a dogmatic religion in which one is asked to accept anything on faith alone. On the contrary, one discovers for oneself that the principles of Scientology are true by applying its principles and observing or experiencing the results.
The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom.
.
Here?s a factual description for you:
(From a Scientologist who has studied and practiced this religion for over 38 years):
Definition:
The term Scientology is taken from the Latin word "SCIO" : which means, in the fullest sense of the word, "knowing", and the Greek word "LOGOS" which simply means "study of".
The subject of Scientology is further defined as :
"the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life. "
Scientology is a new religion. It is an applied religious philosophy. By ?applied? is meant that it is for use in life and living. You actually use it in your day to day life to change and improve existing conditions. It is a practical religion.
All religions if you study them have a basic philosophy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this , but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does acknowledge the principle of God or the Supreme Being but does not try to define or describe this principle, leaving it up to the individual.
It is also not a messianic religion. This means there is no worship of prophets or messiahs or gods. It is not belief or faith based. In Scientology a truth is true for you according to your own observation and experience .
The dictionary definition that applies:
Religion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognizes the existence of superhuman power or powers.
The most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a thing you have but what YOU actually are.
Scientology believes or considers that Man is basically good. This is different from many religions that promote that he his naively evil or bad unless ?made? good.
The whole purpose of Scientology knowledge application and procedure is to increase an individual?s understanding and awareness of himself as a spiritual being and to rehabilitate his native abilities and potential.
When you do this the sphere and zones of his positive influence increase and move outward into his life , his family and friends, his groups and Mankind of which he is part .
How this result is achieved is the ?technology? of Scientology, which was developed by L Ron Hubbard from discoveries he made after extensive research into the field of the mind and the human spirit.
Some of this knowledge was already existing in the sacred lore of ancient texts like the Veda or Vedic Hymns going back 10,000 years. New and additional discoveries were made about the nature of the human spirit and fully recorded and codified .
Scientology?s closest spiritual ties with any other religion are with Orthodox (Hinayana ) Buddhism with which it shares an historical lineage. But even here the relationship is based mainly on friendship and the recognition of the being as a spirit rather than any organizational ties.
L.Ron Hubbard published 18 basic books from 1950 to 1955 to fully communicate the basic principles of Scientology, the path of his research and the spiritual technology that he developed from this.
He completed all his research before his death in 1986 and left all his materials and copyrights to the Church of Scientology?s Religious Technology Centre along with most of his personal estate when he died.
The Church of Scientology is currently established Ind operating internationally in over 160 countries world wide. However it is still a new religion, less than 60 years old.
The true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:
1. A philosopher develop es a philosophy about life and death.
2. People find it interesting.
3. People find it works.
4. People pass it along to others.
5. It grows.
This is just an overview.
L.Ron Hubbard explained fully the theology and technologies of Scientology in more than 500,000 pages of writings, including dozens of books and over 4,000 tape recorded public lectures.
So it?s not possible to fully answer your question on this forum, but I hope this helps.
You can also go to WNW.scientology.org for a much more detailed description of this religion.
Or go to your local library Self Help section for books on Scientology
( Recommend ?Scientology: A New Slant on Life? )
Read a book. Go on line to buy one. Read a book written by L. Ron Hubbard. That is how you will find out. DO NOT go into one of established organizations. The culture that has been created since Hubbard passed away over two decades ago is NOT what Scientology is about.
Can someone tell me what scientology is about?
