Abstract This paper details the origins of the religion of Scientology, discusses its basic philosophy and principles and explains how this philosophy is different from, and yet similar to, both modern science and modern religions. The paper goes on to discuss some of the dangers and criticisms associated with the religion and cites some of the reasons people continue to be drawn to the practice of Scientology.
From the Paper "Scientology was founded in the 1950s by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard. The basis if the religion is to improve mental health and personal emotional well-being through scientific and spiritual principles. Scientology adheres to the notion that regular science has not been able to answer many of the questions that man has asked himself from time immemorial. Some of the most important of these unanswered questions are the questions of who we are as people, what we consist of, where we come from, where we are going, and what we are doing here on this planet ("Scientology: Its Background and Origins"). Since science has not been able to answer any of these questions with any degree of certainty or accuracy, it has been left up to mankind to find the answers to those questions through alternate methods. This is where scientology comes in."
Abstract This paper takes a negative approach to cult membership. It shows how cult rulers are usually charismatic people who take advantage of their followers in order to achieve the title of leader and obtain unlimited power.
From the Paper "One theme does run through the vast majority of cults: regimen and discipline. The environment is tightly controlled and discipline rigidly enforced by those specially chosen as being on a plane higher than the average "Cultee". What strengthens the young person's resolve to stay is that he or she has to "give up something". The act of giving up is something many of them may never have experienced before. Celibacy, giving up make-up and attractive clothes, even an austere life-style and a special diet: all this speaks of "commitment" a word and an act most of these people had never experienced before".
Tags: Lord's, Disciple, Dianetic, Disciples, John, Brown
Abstract This paper addresses the Church of Scientology as a social organization. It examines its critics and their claims. The paper begins with a brief introductory section with background information on the Church and its founder L. Ron Hubbard. It examines how the Church of Scientology evolved into the institution it is today. The paper then presents and analyzes the main religious and philosophical tenets of the religion.
From the Paper "The tenets of Scientology are more practical than theological, and in many ways the ideology resembles a New Age self help program. Although the Church of Scientology claims that faith is unnecessary, practitioners are nevertheless expected to believe that Scientology teachings offer the only solutions to their worldly problems. The Church of Scientology disavows the benefits of psychological therapy or counseling outside of the Church because its views on the nature of human life differ significantly from that of the scientific establishment. The "auditing" process in Scientology resembles psychological counseling but is done so within the parameters of the religion. Auditing involves an established set of questions and auditors use an "electropsychometer," or E-meter to assess the practitioner's responses."
