Difference between revisions of "Scientology"
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Revision as of 23:09, October 27, 2009
Scientology is an international movement / religion established in the United States by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, drawing on ideas from Buddhist and Hindu religious philosophy, science fiction, and Western concepts in psychology and science. [1] He introduced his ideas in Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, his seminal work on the subject, in 1950. Dianetics showed readers how they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self, and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy. [2]
Unlike Christianity, Islam, or Judaism, there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles. The Way to Happiness is a 1980 booklet that lists 21 moral precepts.
The goal of the Scientology religion is to achieve complete certainty of one's spiritual existence, one's relationship to the Supreme Being, and his role in eternity; [3] but Heaven, Hubbard said, is a "false dream" and a "very painful lie" intended to direct thetans toward a non-existent goal and convince them they have only one life. [4]
Although Scientology argues its beliefs are not incompatible with Christian faith, this is not so. Scientology is inconsistent with the beliefs of Christian faith; however we may observe that Scientology does entertain a fine goal in attempting to improve the world and man's lot within it, whether materially or spiritually. Many practitioners are dedicated and selfless in seeking such ends. [5]
What Scientologists Believe
- Belief in Deity: The nature of the Supreme Being is revealed personally.
- Incarnations: There are no particular human incarnations of God.
- Origin of Universe and Life: All is manifestation of the universal spirit.
- After Death: Rebirths continue until the spirit become one with God.
- Why Evil?: Untrue ideas can result in wrongdoing.
- The Occult: Black magic is the inner core of Scientology.
- Salvation: Salvation and enlightenment is achieved through the practices and techniques of Scientology.
- Undeserved Suffering: Suffering occurs as part of the spirit's entrapment here in the physical universe.
- Death: It is sometimes a blessing, or irrelevant.
- Contemporary Issues: Scientology favors the use of their methodology for spiritual/mental healing and social betterment.
The Creed of the Church of Scientology was written by L. Ron Hubbard shortly after the Church was formed in Los Angeles on February 18, 1954. [6]
External links
- Beliefnet: What Scientologists Believe
- Official Church of Scientology
- A REFERENCE WORK PRESENTED BY THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
- From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.