Quiroz 1 Monica Quiroz Comparative Religions 12/15/2011 Scientology

We have discussed many well-known religions in our Comparative Religion class, but there is still one religion that we did not discuss in depth, that is Scientology. When I first heard that name I questioned it. Scientology? Thats a religion? Actually, yes it is and it has many followers, including big name celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Scientology is a religion founded by a former U.S. Naval Officer named L. Ron Hubbard in 1952. Hubbard became the first to scientifically isolate, measure and describe the human spirit, while objectively demonstrating spiritual potentials well in advance of scientific thought(Scientology. org). Those potentials were found to be possessed by every human and just as attainable. This then developed Hubbards description of scientology as accomplishing the goal of every great religion: Freeing the soul by wisdom(Scientology. org). According to the scientology website, scientology is something one does, not something one believes in. The purpose of scientology is to enable Man to improve his lot through understanding. Scientology has many common beliefs of other religions and philosophies. It considers Man to be a spiritual being and not just flesh and blood. Scientology believes Man to be basically good, not evil. It is Mans experiences that have led him to commit evil deeds, not his nature and he mistakenly seeks to solve his problems by considering only his own interests, which then causes trouble for himself and others(Scientology. org). But because Man is basically good, he is capable of spiritual

Quiroz 2 betterment. And it is the goal of Scientology to bring him to where he can sort out the factors in his own life and solve his own problems. Many Scientologists practice auditing. Auditing is a process used to restore beingness and ability. This is accomplished by (1) helping the individual rid himself of any spiritual disabilities and (2) increasing individual abilities (Scientology Beliefs). Then, those things that were added to the reactive mind through lifes experiences are deleted. Through auditing, one is able to look at his own existence and improve his ability to confront what he is and where he is. Auditing does not use hypnosis, trance techniques, or drugs. The person being audited is completely aware of everything that happens (Scientology.org). Scientologists also go through training. Scientology training consists of learning the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard and learning how to apply it correctly to improve ones own spiritual understanding and ability and to help others(Scientology.org). Scientology training occurs in courses delivered in Churches and missions, by mail and on-line, and also through reading or listening to Hubbards works at home. Then they apply those teachings to help others. Scientologists worship similarly to Christians. They worship each Sunday and a Church Chaplair or another minister conducts the public worship service. The services consist of a recitation of the Scientology Creed, Sermons, Congregational auditing, and prayer. In addition, Scientologists celebrate weddings, namings and funeral rites. Scientologists also follow many codes, which tell them how to conduct or follow the rules of their religion. In my opinion, Scientology is not really a religion, but more a way of life. It is

Quiroz 3 mostly about bettering yourself and your spiritual being. Religion how I see it, is a belief in something above you or a Supreme Being. Scientology is just a way to free your mind and achieve higher goals than one ever thought possible. I think converting to Scientology would be difficult because I like having a strong foundation in my religion and I dont think I can follow a religion that was manmade.

Reference Page

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Scientology Beliefs. Balanced Views of Religion and Spiritually with Faith/Patheos.Web.10Dec.2011. Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, Quote of the Week, Video Biography. Official Church of Scientology: Beliefs and Practices, Books, L. Ron Hubbard, What is Scientology? David Miscavige.Web.10 Dec.2011 <http:www.scientology.org/l-ron-hubbard.html?video=lrh_bio>