Scientology

So I thought I was going to do my research paper on scientology but after researching it I realized that it's not very interesting and almost normal. But, I started writing about it and Prof M suggested that I add it to my blog.. so here it is!





What is Scientology? Devout followers of this religion claim it is simply the study of truth in this world. Some others are running scared, believing it is a horrifying cult, trying to brainwash everybody within their range. While most Americans just think it is plain weird, and stupid. There will always be a controversy about this religion for it is very unlikely and hard to accept the strange beliefs most have. From L. Ron Hubbard, to Dianetrics, to A-list celebrity followers, Scientology is recognized as a world renowned religion. But, does that still make it acceptable and safe for society? According to Justice Anderson of the Supreme Court of Australia,
"Scientology is evil: its techniques are evil: its practice is a serious threat to the community, medically, morally, and socially; and its adherents are sadly deluded and often mentally ill .... (Scientology is) the world's largest organization of unqualified persons engaged in the practice of dangerous techniques which masquerade as mental therapy." http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/against_sci.htm.
Maybe Scientology is religion, striving for people to just understand them. The fact remains, Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the world. And, for one to understand this new phenomenon, they must explore the facts behind this new light, good or evil.
Just as Christianity started with Jesus, and Islam started with Muhammed, Scientology was created by L. Ron Hubbard. Hubbard was an honest man, and never lied about the real reason he started this religion. In the late 1940s he wrote, “Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion.” Hubbard wanted to be rich, so he created a fake religion. He started in 1952 with Dianetics, the all-time self-help bestseller. Dianetics makes a person look into themselves to discover sets of ideas and practices regarding the relationship between their body and the human mind. As stated in Wikipedia,
“Hubbard believed most mental and physical problems are caused by traumatic memories (which he called "engrams") that are stored in the unconscious mind, which he terms the "reactive mind." The goal of Dianetics is to become rid (or "cleared") of this portion of one's mind. Once at this state of "Clear," according to Hubbard, an individual becomes able to function at his or her full potential.
Basically, Dianetics centered on psychotherapy outlook on life, making “engrams” seem easy to recover from. This is how Dianetics became Scientology, which led to even more disturbing beliefs by these followers.
Dianetics would eventually go on to become the new religion of Scientology. Scientology constists of many beliefs. There is no evil man, only good. And, to explain those who commit evil acts, Scientologists claim it was “an experience”, not their basic nature.