Dianetics?

Question

Why would someone pay thousands of dollars to gain access to the "secret" knowledge of the "Church" of Scientology, when they could just read Dianetics? How much more secret knowledge could there be, and how cool is it to be worth potentially throwing away your entire life savings?

(I think the so-called "religion" of scientology is funny and pretty much harmless--if you want to think you're depressed because of Xenu[Xemu?] go right ahead, but the "church" itself seems to be nothing more than a dangerous cult.)

Answer 1

Scientology has a lot more to offer people than the techynology in Dianetics, it is one of the technologies used in the church. There is many. many more texts other than Dianetics including: Scientology - A new slant on life, What is Scientology, Purification rundown etc.

I really resent the fact that you are picking on Scientology just because you don't really know much about it - that is really unfair. You do not have to spend as much as you would like to think we do...here in Australia the average church contributiuon is $1000 per year.....that is just under $20 a week, my gran gives $50 a week to her Anglican church!....so go figure

Answer 2

Yes, I've read the book "Dianetics the Modern Science of Mental Health." I've also done an extensive course and am a Dianetic auditor. I've applied the techniques on many individuals. The results are there to observe, so it's way past "theory" and has been for the past 57 years,(since it was first published in May 1950). It is based on what the soul is doing to the mind and body. But it is a fully practical method to handle and erase unwanted pains, sensations emotions and attitudes that effect a person negatively and reactively. You get a lot of personal developement from both applying and receiving Dianetcs. The main thing about it is it works. It is also part of Scientology. You can learn this method easily at a weekend Seminar at a Dianetics Foundation.

Answer 3

Hi again Anna,

I gather you know what I think by now :) But I am also posting this for the benefit of others, plus some useful links to your questions.

There is more to the church of scientology than just dianetics, foxtail is right.

Dianetics does not cover the higher level training offered in the church of scientology called the OT levels, plus a whole host of other courses, grades, policy, business administration, ethics handling, etc.

Here is an ex-member talking about the techniques
http://www.clambake.org/archive/techniques/

Or here is a description of social control and the methods of entrapment used by scientology which begin at the beginning with their hard sell, OCA test, and TRs.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/xenu/scs.html

You don't have to pay to see the OT levels though, they are here on the internet, despite the Churchs best efforts to silence them:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kspaink/fishman/home.html

Here is the price list:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/prices.html

And you are right the Church itself is a dangerous cult, see here at the main critical site, there is a wealth of information available here, court transcripts, govt. investigations, books, scientific studies, ex-member testimonials, etc
http://www.clambake.org

Here is the church's official links
http://www.scientology.org
http://www.dianetics.org

Answer 4

A lot of people 'identity seek'. By this I mean they seek meaning in life thruogh places like Scientology or New Warrior because they feel their current life is inadequate or that there must be more meaning to their bland existence.

Answer 5

The danger of Scientology, is it's ability to keep one from searching for truth.

Answer 6

It it is not harmless. An auditor can suggest something wrong and influence a person's thought. The book is good reading, but, it is no comparison to the Bible.

Answer 7

What scares me about Scientology isn't that Scientologists seem crazy, but that disgruntled ex-Scientologists seem equally crazy.

Answer 8

It's kooky alright. Movie stars are targeted for this "religion" due to their wealth and status in the public eye.
Open your eyes, check it out.

Answer 9

all religions are cults dear. just because you use it as a snarl word does not make it so. no comparison to the bible is right. the bible is crap work by crap men.

Answer 10

You got that right!!!