We’ve all seen the headlines. Scientology is linked to numerous celebrities and wealthy individuals, with places like “Celebrity Centers” in major cities and very private services that are not open to the public. But what is scientology? Is it really a hoax designed to make money, as some believe? Or is it a fledgling religion that has a firm spiritual basis?
Scientology was founded in December 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard, an author of science fiction novels. The religion is said to be dedicated to the rehabilitation of the human spirit. To that end, the teachings of scientology are believed to cure or save someone from mental illness, depression, alcoholism and addiction, arthritis, learning disabilities, and other issues that are common in the general population. Many people believe there are one million followers, but the Church of Scientology claims over 8 million in 175 countries.
The roots of Scientology began with Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, written by L. Ron Hubbard. In the book he explains “auditing,” or the practice of a question and answer session designed to explore painful memories. This practice is believed to cure illnesses, remedy emotional problems, and greatly increase intelligence. The book was not picked up by traditional publishers, but was eventually published as a science fiction novel.
From that point, Hubbard was very prolific in writing the current scriptures of Scientology, which he kept producing until his death in 1986. In 1998, a theological reference work called Scientology: Theology and Practice of a Contemporary Religion described the aims of Scientology as thus: “A civilization without insanity, without criminals, and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights, are the aims of Scientology.”
Followers of Scientology believe they can access past lives through the religion, which then requires that they be “audited” to remove the painful experiences and move forward. During this process biofeedback machines are used to chart the progress of an individual. Some claim that these machines are like lie detectors – under pressure, however, the Church of Scientology soon admitted that the biofeedback machines “do nothing.”
Many take exception to the fact that Scientologists are required to talk about the deepest corners of their lives with religious leaders. Some have also suggested that “celebrity centers” make the religion look more “trendy” and attract those who want the same kind of wealth that the most prominent Scientologists seem to have. Thanks to the controversy, in some countries Scientology is not seen as a religion, but as a charitable organization.
Whether the Church of Scientology is a true religion or a simple money-making venture remains to be seen; however, Scientologists defend the ‘growing pains’ of their religion and point out that such questions arose about every major religion when it was first introduced. For Scientologists, the media scrutiny and questions from critics is simply a necessity to be dealt with before they can move forward into full religious recognition.