Scientology, a contemporary religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s, has garnered both curiosity and controversy. Rooted in Hubbard's writings, particularly the seminal book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, Scientology presents a unique framework of spiritual rehabilitation. It is helpful for all people to understand the core beliefs, practices, and organizational structure of Scientology to provide a clearer understanding of what adherents believe and how they practice their faith.
The Foundations of Scientology
Scientology’s primary belief is that humans are immortal spiritual beings called "thetans," which have forgotten their true nature through countless reincarnations. According to Hubbard, the goal of Scientology is to rediscover this nature, achieve spiritual enlightenment, and realize one's potential as a thetan. This process of spiritual awakening is achieved through a series of practices and teachings designed to clear individuals of past traumas and accumulated spiritual burdens.
The Practice of Auditing
At the heart of Scientology is the practice of "auditing." Auditing is a one-on-one session with a trained auditor, where individuals recount experiences or answer specific questions while connected to a device called the E-meter. The E-meter, short for electropsychometer, is believed to measure mental stress as a person discusses their past and current thoughts. Through auditing, individuals are said to clear themselves of the negative influences of past experiences and traumatic events, known as "engrams." This process is intended to help practitioners become "Clear," a state where they are believed to be free of the negative effects of past traumas and capable of functioning at their highest potential.
The Bridge to Total Freedom
Scientologists follow a structured path of spiritual development known as "The Bridge to Total Freedom." This hierarchical path includes a series of levels and courses designed to help adherents progress from the state of Preclear, through Clear, and ultimately achieving the status of Operating Thetan (OT). Each level purports to offer greater insight and spiritual capabilities, with OT levels allowing individuals to supposedly perform tasks disconnected from physical limitations.
Ethics and Suppressive Persons
Ethics play a crucial role in Scientology. Hubbard introduced a complex system of ethics to help individuals adhere to the doctrines of the church and avoid behaviors considered counterproductive to spiritual progress. Central to Scientology ethics is the concept of "Suppressive Persons" (SPs) — individuals who impede the spiritual progress of others. Scientologists are taught to disassociate from SPs as a protective measure, which has led to controversial practices like "disconnection," where members sever ties with family and friends deemed antagonistic towards Scientology.
The Organizational Structure
Scientology is organized hierarchically, with the Church of Scientology at the core of its structure. The church is not only a place of worship but also serves as the administrative center for its global operations. The Sea Organization, or Sea Org, is an elite group within the church, whose members sign a billion-year contract, committing themselves to the service of Scientology. This reflects the belief in the immortality of the thetan and the eternal commitment to the religion's goals.
Scientology and the Wider World
Scientology actively engages in outreach through various programs and affiliated organizations. Narconon, for instance, is a rehabilitation program based on Hubbard’s teachings aimed at curing drug addiction through techniques derived from Scientology practices. Similarly, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is an organization co-founded by the Church of Scientology to expose what they claim are abuses in psychiatry.
Scientology positions itself as a religion fit for the modern world, offering a scientifically-oriented path to spiritual enlightenment that appeals to individuals seeking a systematic, structured approach to understanding the self and improving the mind. While it faces significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly regarding its secretive practices and the treatment of dissent within its ranks, Scientology continues to attract a global following eager to explore its promise of spiritual advancement. Whether viewed through the lens of religion, philosophy, or self-help, Scientology remains a fascinating study in the diversity of contemporary religious expressions, reflecting the complex ways in which humans search for meaning in the modern age.
