“When you’re a Scientologist, and you drive by an accident, you know you have to do something about it, because you know you’re the only one who can really help… We are the way to happiness. We can bring peace and unite cultures,(Celebuzz)” This quote was said by actor Tom Cruise, who has been a scientologist for about 37 years. Cruise had gotten involved in scientology by his first wife Mimi Rogers whose father was an avid leader in the Church, because Cruise was now an up and coming actor being inducted into the church was sure to bring them great publicity(The Huffington Post). Bringing new actors into the Church was very common because the actors could then promote their church, causing more curious people to join and learn about their church. Scientology’s main goal is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for all. To many this sounds like an amazing new opportunity, but to others this may come across as a trap. The biggest question is, Scientology an escape from reality to better oneself or a cult made to worsen you as a person?
Scientology was created by L. Ron Hubbard, he had started the concept of scientology by writing a book called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. Along with this book Hubbard had also completed over 15,000 pages and 3,000 lectures all scientology related(Official Church of Scientology). In these texts he had described Scientology as what holds man to be good, along with this he says that salvation will depend on everyone's attainment of brotherhood with the Universe. To obtain this brotherhood you have to overcome engram. Engram is all of the trauma you went through, this trauma will dwell on you until you are clear. Once you become clear all of the engrams will have left you and no more will burden you again(ThoughtCo). The process to become clear is known as auditing, this can happen in a group session or as a one to one meeting. During these sessions an auditor will ask the preclear questions to help them locate areas in which they feel burdened or stressed about, at this moment the preclear will be holding an E-meter. This meter produces no harm to the person but can detect the mental mass of a person when they see or think of a traumatic experience. The dial on the meter will move and depending on how it moves will have different meanings.(Official Church of Scientology). These questions are made to be exact for the person so they can find out about what the problem stems from, and how to fix it. The purpose of this is not to only become clear, but also to become a brighter person who can control unwanted abilities.
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Like other religions The Church of Scientology also worships on sundays, have funeral rites, and celebrate their own formal ceremonies. The Church is known to be non denominational and accepts anyone no matter their religious background. Scientologists also practice religions like protestantism and catholicism. Their sunday service runs the same as most services, with singing and music, sermons and church announcements. There are some differences that set Scientology apart from other churches, which is in the beginning of the service they start by reciting the Creed of the Church of Scientology. This creed is outlines the mission of the Church and their commitment to their religion. Scientology is different from other religions because of how new they are. All of their scriptures are from original and spoken words, these were all taken from the thousands of lectures that were given by L. Ron Hubbard(Church of Scientology). Ministry also has some similarities and differences in religions, they all ease suffering and give help when needed. Some differences in Scientology ministry is they must have a need to help others and ease comforting, without these characteristics they will not be able to function as a minister. Scientology had also developed the Sea Organization to help minister the advanced Scientologists. The Sea Org is for fully dedicated followers and once you are committed to this you are provided housing, dental and health care, and must transfer all funds to the Church. While in the Sea Org you are required to wear a maritime-style uniform and are given an allowance for personal needs. Not only did this relieve some stress that was on the ministers, but they helped work alongside of Hubbard as well(The Church of Scientology). The now leader of Scientology is David Miscavige, he had taken over once Hubbard had died in 1986. Since the start of Scientology they now have churches across six continents, and an estimated amount of twenty five thousand members in the US alone.
Scientology is seen as a “client cult” this is where the religion is offering some kind of service or therapy to people if they join. The process of auditing can be seen as the therapeutic service, because it is promoting a person becoming the best person they can(Living Religions, 292). This fact starts the neverending question of whether Scientology is a valid religion or a demeaning cult. One counterargument against it is that because the Church is tax exempt some may say that it is a “money making endeavor”(ThoughtCo.). When the IRS granted them their tax exemption this was a major deal for the church, because it was long fought for. In other countries, Germany for example, the Church of Scientology is extremely limited and is looked down upon. The Church has now gained the reputation of suing anyone who criticizes their practices or beliefs(Scientology, 4). A former Scientologist, Leah Remini, started a documentary about the negatives in Scientology. She had teamed up with Mike Rinder, a former chief spokesman for the Church, to interview other ex-members. During these interviews they had heard about alleged traumas from physical and emotional forms of abuse to statutory rape. Once Remini and Rinder had went public with these accusations the Church had backlashed and went out toward the two. The Church had publicly responded to Remini’s show by saying “She needs to move on with her life instead of pathetically exploiting her former religion, her former friends and other celebrities for money and attention to appear relevant again(The Church of Scientology).” This new documentary had brought a lot of negative publicity towards the Church and forced them to answer questions on whether these statement are true or not. Their response was “like all new ideas, Scientology has come under attack by the uninformed and vested interests. For the truth is there are those in this world who find it strange and frightening to see the everyday people, the forgotten people turn into philosophers overnight, suddenly unaffected by the threats of their ‘betters.’(The Church of Scientology)”.Another main problem with the Church is the rumors that founders wife and 9 others had been convicted of multiple accounts of conspiracy. These charges were based off of an investigation called Operation Snow White, in this the members of the Church attempted to hide the fact they were harassing critics, government officials, and agents(How Stuff Works). Due to this negative backlash that the religion has received it had caused a decline in the entrance of the faith.
In conclusion the possibilities that scientology gives you to have a better life can be encouraging, but the negatives may outway the positives. Once you are in Scientology it is nearly impossible to get out, and you must disconnect from any family or friends that are not in it as well. In my opinion, I think of Scientology more as a cult because of the dangerous activities and responsibilities you must fulfill as a member. Although I think this, I can see how others may find it as an escape to better themselves. It is very important that people know more about this religion and their beliefs before they enter it. As many celebrities join it to boost their popularity it is not a religion that can be practiced for a curious soul.
Works Cited
- July 9, 2012 - 7:45 am. “15 Of Tom Cruise's Most Unforgettable Scientology Quotes (PHOTOS).” Celebuzz, 13 Feb. 2015, www.celebuzz.com/2012-07-09/tom-cruises-most-unforgettable-scientology-quotes-photos/.
- Marcus, Stephanie. “How Tom Cruise Was Introduced To Scientology: REPORT.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 11 July 2012, www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/11/how-tom-cruise-introduced-scientology_n_1664934.html.
- “What Is Scientology.” Official Church of Scientology: What Is Scientology?, www.scientology.org/what-is-scientology.html.
- Beyer, Catherine. “The Secret World of Scientology.” ThoughtCo, www.thoughtco.com/scientology-95698.
- Lewis, James R. Scientology. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions: Books a La Carte. Prentice Hall, 2013.
- Curran, Oisin. “How Scientology Works.” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 21 July 2017, people.howstuffworks.com/scientology3.htm.
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