Guide Note
The Church of Scientology, also known as Scientology, is a controversial religion founded by science-fiction author L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. Prominent Scientologists include Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, Kirstie Alley, Beck, Leah Remini and John Travolta.
Fast Facts
- Founded in 1950
- Founder: L. Ron Hubbard
- Based on Hubbard's Dianetics self-help system
- Non-profit organization
- Auditing is a form of spiritual counseling
- Xenu is an alien ruler who brought aliens to Earth 75 million years ago
- A Thetan is a spiritual being
- Engram's are mental image pictures
- Clear, or a Clear, is attained through many hours of Dianetics auditing sessions
- Purification Rundown is a method of detox for
- Believe that the mind is composed of mental images which are recordings of past experiences1
- Listed as a cult in France 1995
Beliefs
The beliefs and techniques of Scientology comprise 18 books and 3,000 recorded lectures.
Scientologist spokespeople say that they are dedicated to rehabilitating the human spirit by providing counseling and rehabilitation programs. They claim that their teachings have saved people from depression, mental illness, cancer, addictions and other problems.2
"Auditing", or spiritual counseling, is the central practice used in determining what is wrong with someone. For a fee, a member sits down with an auditor who analyzes their personal information by using an E-meter. The device measures the electrical resistance in the body which helps locate the areas of concern.1
Controversy
Scientology has many detractors and has attracted controversy for many of it's beliefs. The biggest problem most people have is that the church does not divulge it's core beliefs to the public.
Scientology has a policy where members are encouraged to disassociate from friends and family members who are not supportive of their involvement with the church.
Scientology is opposed to all psychiatric treatment and psychiatric medications.3