What is Scientology?

Question

Is it a cult, I know it is not Christian. What is the attraction?

Answer 1

Scientology
Founded by L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986), a popular science fiction author, Scientology is supposed to be a science, a religion and a church. The basic book of Scientology is Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, published in 1950.

In his book Hubbard argues that it is necessary to discover the "single source" for all of our problems, mental or physical. According to Hubbard, this source can be located in what he labeled "engrams," defined as "a definite and permanent trace left by a stimulus on the protoplasm of a tissue. It is considered as a unit group of stimuli impinged solely on the cellular being." What does that mean? Apparently, it means that engrams are "recordings" made in our brain on the cellular level during times of physical or emotional stress. They are not active memories, but negative engrams do affect us. Allegedly, most of our engrams are acquired in the womb - which is, Hubbard says, an unpleasant place because it is "wet, uncomfortable and unprotected."

Hubbard claimed that they cause "...arthritis, bursitis, asthma, allergies, sinusitis, coronary trouble, high blood pressure, and so on." It is claimed that all of our ills can be cured by having our engrams removed by a specially trained "auditor." Through dianetic therapy, we can be released from these engrams and made "clear." These "treatments" cost progressively more and more money as a person goes along. People spend thousands or tens of thousands of dollars being audited by the Church of Scientology.

Another important doctrine in Scientology is the idea that, fundamentally, human beings are really "Thetans" - immortal souls which travel from body to body, from life to life. Discovering what happened to us in previous lives is an important feature, thus Scientologists argue that auditing is actually one of their "sacraments," allowing the "Thetan" to become "clear" of past experiences.

Scientology was granted the tax-exempt status of a church in 1993, and today it has about 700 centers in more than 60 countries.

Critiques of Scientology

Hubbard claimed that everything he taught and which was incorporated into Scientology are scientific facts, but he provided no scientific evidence in support of his claims. To date, no scientific tests have ever provided any sound evidence for the supposedly "scientific" claims made by the Church of Scientology. Even worse, Hubbard relied on a false dilemma fallacy in that he claimed that either the individual cells of a human body must be sentient or else the soul must enter us at the time of conception.

Does Scientology even offer any testable claims which science could investigate? Yes, it does - and it should, if it is going to try and call itself a science. Among the claims which can be tested are: it is superior in treating mental illness; it can be 100% effective in improving IQ; it can solve all of humanity's problems; and it is a rational and proven science. None of these claims have actually been supported.

The Church of Scientology has claimed to have millions of members, but independent observers say that the numbers are actually quite a lot lower.

Answer 2

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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 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 3

a) We are not a cult, we are a religion
b) Not associated with christianity
c) People usually read Dianetics and find that some of the priniciples they use in the book are beneficial, then they turn to the Church of Scientology and find even more useful tech and services!

Answer 4

all religions are cults including christianity you arrogant SOB. Oh and scientology is about scientific theories made into a religion. L ron Hubbard made a bet that he could make a religion too and he did.

Answer 5

Basically it's a pseudo religion/charity for dumbass celebrities to dump money into to say "Look at me". Something like this is what's called The Stupid Tax.

Answer 6

a cult for the rich and famous. If you have enough disposable income you can join.

Answer 7

A pseudo religion based on science fiction.

Answer 8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GLnsBv6UQ-o

Full version: http://youtube.com/watch?v=n2Xt4CKgaJA&mode=related&search=

Go figure.