What exactly is scientology?

Question

i saw the south park episode about it, but good gosh surely thats not really what scientologists believe?
This is a sincere question, not an insult or a debate.
Scientologists especially---please answer.

Answer 1

Hi Jon,

Yes, bizarre as it sounds "This is what Scientologists actually believe", and I can prove it beyond doubt despite some posters assurances that it isn't.

Here is an extract in Hubbard's own handwriting confirmed by the Church's lawyers in court.
http://www.xenu.net/archive/OTIII-scholar/

Here is another court freed document which concerns the whole of OTIII which came up in court during the Fishman Affidavit, you can check out other OT levels here too
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kspaink/fishman/index2.html

Here is a summary written by an ex-member:
http://www.xenu.net/archive/OTIII-scholar/atack-ot3-summary.txt

So you see already proof that Scientology lies, even on this forum you have a member consistently saying it isn't true, despite having done the level, and probably aware of the Fishman Affidivat. So why would a scientologist do that? Because they have been trained to.

"THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN CONTROL PEOPLE IS TO LIE TO THEM. You can write that down in your book in great big letters. The only way you can control anybody is to lie to them."
L. RON HUBBARD "Technique 88"

" I also trained other Scientology PRs on how to handle the media, using material from Hubbard. This included how to respond to a question without answering, how to divert the issue, how to tell "an acceptable truth," how to stall for time, how to assume various emotional states to control another, how to "attack the attacker," how to take control of a conversation, how to introvert a person and how to "get the message across" (especially in an age of sound bites), how to help Scientology attorneys write inflammatory legal papers so the PR could then safely use the abusive phrases, and how to appear to be a religion."
Robert Vaughn Young PR Relations Officer for the Church of Scientology for 20 years.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/media/young-quill.html

So having demonstrated that OTIII is correct, and that scientologists are told & trained to lie about it. Here is what I believe scientology to be:

What is Scientology?

“Scientology is a system of beliefs and practices created by American pulp fiction[1][2] and science fiction [3] author L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 as a self-help philosophy.”
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/scientology

See here for a critic’s view:
http://www.clambake.org/roland-intro.html

See here for scientology’s own view:
http://www.scientology.org/en_US/religion/index.html

Scientology is considered a religion in some countries, a profitable organisation in others, and in some it is considered a cult whose practises have been banned. For example, the US gives Scientology tax exempt status, whereas Germany and Belgium have called it a “totalitarian cult” and a “commercial enterprise”. France in 1995 classified it as a dangerous cult. The UK refused charitable status in 1999. Russia has a pending court trial over their refusal to register scientology as a religion.

I personally believe scientology to be a dangerous cult that lies to and tricks adherents into believing they are improving themselves and the world around them, while they are for the most part doing the exact opposite. It is made up of good people with good intentions that have been unfortunately deceived just because they do want to help others and themselves live better lives. It appeals to a person’s good intentions, and therein lies the trap.

It seems to have been set up to make money, and indeed they have been very successful at it – although the money is all at the top and not with the actual people delivering the services. Indeed Hubbard is quoted as saying "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion"
http://www.skeptictank.org/readdig.htm

What do they believe?

Scientologists’ beliefs differ depending on how long they have been in the church, as the higher levels are considered secret and even dangerous to the initiated or unprepared. This is part of why I believe it to be a cult, it hides its true teachings from new members in order to gain & keep adherents.

Scientologists believe that L Ron Hubbard came up with the only workable technology/practises/teachings to help and unlock mankind’s potential. It is believed that by taking part in scientology auditing and learning all the various ‘tech’ a person will become more capable, becoming firstly a ‘Clear’ and then an ‘OT’. Various spurious claims have been made about the state of a ‘clear’ and ‘OT’ amongst which are immunity to illness, removal of physical ailments, perfect memory, increased IQ, increased health & fitness (and thus longevity), and then moving on to the more strange such as being able to exteriorse at will (out of body experiences) and control of MEST (ability to change matter, energy, space and time at will). Needless to say scientology has never successfully demonstrated any of the claims they make about their ‘tech’.

Scientologists believe:
- Man has an immortal soul called a thetan.
- You have a primitive reactive mind which is the source of much of man's problems, which collects "engrams" from traumatic times or when you are unconscious.
- A lot of physical illnesses/problems are psychosomatic caused by "Engrams".
- You can 'audit' engrams out and this will solve your issues and clear up your health. They also believe it makes you a more intelligent, aware and reasoned individual.
- Reincarnation and the ability to know these past lives and get to more engrams this way.
- Paying lots of money to scientology for there tech, courses, and auditing.
- Getting more people into scientology so they too can become ‘clear’ and thus save the world…

If they have got to OTIII, then the belief changes slightly.
- The universe is quadrillions years old.
- Xenu the Intergalactic Space Lord ruled a confederation of overpopulated planets.
- Xenu took a load of these aliens from each planet and brought them to earth.
- They were then exploded in volcanoes 75 million yrs ago.
- Their souls were then caught on ribbons and taken to implant stations, where Xenu brainwashed & confused them so they wouldn't leave the planet. This includes implanting all the world religions.
- These Alien souls called Body Thetans have attached to humans, and are infact the real cause of your problems and why you get and retain engrams...
- You audit these body thetans out by auditing there engrams and taking them back to the Xenu incidents I & II.
- People have jaw aches from when they were a clam in human evolution....hence the name of the main critical site Operation Clambake.
http://www.clambake.org
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/xenu

How are they different to other religions?

The church often claims it is unjustly persecuted, and to show such files normally countless of libels every year and other such court cases to silence criticism; no other religion hounds and harasses its critics. I believe that scientology is different from other religions, the main one being that potential members are lied to when they start. See below, under ‘Why it is often described as a cult’ for all the reasons.

Why are they often described as a cult?

They lie to members to gain and keep them.
Try to find the story of Xenu at the scientology site for example.

They say it has been thoroughly researched using the scientific method when it hasn’t.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/techniques/
http://www.clambake.org/archive/lrhbare/

They hound and harass critics:
http://www.suppressiveperson.org/

They use mind control techniques: http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/documents/scientology/pignotti

They limit outside information via censoring, condemning it the work of criminals, as well as via disconnection with family.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/events/censorship/
http://www.xenu.net/archive/infopack/15.htm

It is Destructive:
http://www.whyaretheydead.net

More on similar stuff here:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/co_pls.html


For some in-depth research I recommend reading some books written by ex-members.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/books

"Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious...It is corrupt sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based on lies and deceit and has its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard... It is sinister because it indulges in infamous practices both to its adherents who do not toe the line unquestionably and to those who criticize it or oppose it. It is dangerous because it is out to capture people and to indoctrinate and brainwash them so they become the unquestioning captives and tools of the cult, withdrawn from ordinary thought, living, and relationships with others."
Justice Latey, ruling in the High Court of London:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/judge_quotes.html

Here you can see scientologists in action:
http://www.xenutv.com

- in respect and honour to all victims, and those who dare to stand up for them - http://www.clambake.org
http://www.wikipedia.org
http://www.scientology.org

Answer 2

Scientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, 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 not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.
You can have no specific religious beliefs and still benefit from using it.
And it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.
It is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:
Religion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises 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.
The whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .
When you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.

How this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit. The basic religious philosophy and knowledge of Scientology is very old, going back 10,000 years at least to the Veda or Vedic Hymns from the East. The developement of the technology is new.
He completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights
to the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable estate., when he died.

He published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"
There are currently over 8 million Scientologists in more that 150 countries world wide. However we are a new religion, only 55 years old.
The true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:
1. A philosopher developes 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.

Note the absence of any belief in aliens.......
As to "South Park" you are right, it's a satirical cartoon. Most satires rely on making someone or something look totally ridiculous for their source of humor.
"The Simpsons", for example, while funny, is not an actual true representation of an average American family.
In fact quite a few American families would be insulted if they
thought that TV show was taken seriously by those who watched it!!!

Answer 3

Fact: it was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, the prolific science fiction author.
Rumor: started as the result of a bar room bet that he could start a cult following from the massive popularity of his many books.
Description:The word Scientology literally means "the study of truth." It comes from the Latin word "scio" meaning "knowing in the fullest sense of the word" and the Greek word "logos" meaning "study of."

Scientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these:

Man is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized — and those capabilities can be realized. He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability.

In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results.

Through Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom.

Answer 4

Hello,
Scientology is basically an applied philosophy that gives people the tools (or tech as we call it) to help them solve their problems and to better themselves. One of the mainstay points in our religion is "don't believe something because we say it is so, believe it only when you have experienced it". L Ron Hubbard our founder spent many millions of HIS OWN dollars researching the axioms on which the religion is based. All I can really tell you is that as a university student it has helped me with my study to an incredible extent and has made me a better communicator. If you would like to find out more please visit your local org. which can be located through the website below - contrary to popular belief, we are not pushy just go on in and have a chat!

good luck

Answer 5

Mostly its a help religion. A collection of good helpful trainings in many areas of life (communications, study, self confidence). When it came out it had to be under medicine or religion to help people in so many areas. Its non-denominational which means that anyone can join. They dont make you give up your religion or believes. They do alot of disaster relief work.

Now there is a split-off called something like "free scientologists" or something like that which is just the practices without the other stuff (now that things like alternative healing and such is allowed).

Everyone I know in it have struck me as above average person to know.

Answer 6

A religion based on the writings of Science Fiction author L. Ron Hubbard. I haven't explored it much since I have tried to read some of his other books and not found them that interesting.

Answer 7

i attempted it. I took the first 2 trainings. extra ideal talking, and extra ideal reading. I didnt get into the added severe priced ones on clearing drugs or escaping peer rigidity on account that (A) they were extra severe priced and (B) I didnt experience i mandatory them. The route expenditures were less than college classes and that i felt they were a lot extra sensible. I had no situation leaving (I had extra situation leaving the baptists and they needed extra of my funds than the Scientologists did) :) I did study some discomfort dealing with options even as i replaced into there. They prepare them to everybody who bangs their knee or receives a headache. Works properly. I nevertheless use them with myself and my toddlers. everyone I said there looked very open and chuffed. yet for sure thats sufficient to scare some human beings.

Answer 8

Scientology is a religion based on making a better life for yourself..

If you wanna read more on it
www.scientology.org

Hope it helps!

Answer 9

A cult concocted by a science-fiction writer - popularized by air-head Hollywood types with more money than sense.

Answer 10

a wakado religion that believes that there is an evil overlord in space causing evil and enslaving the human race. Nut bags, just like any other religion.

Answer 11

You may want to check out wikipedia's site on it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology