What does Scientology believe?
Scientology is a religious movement focused on spiritual growth and self-knowledge (Britannica). It teaches that humans are immortal spiritual beings called thetans (Church of Scientology Official Site).
What Do Scientologists Believe About God?
Scientology recognizes a Supreme Being or Ultimate Reality (Church of Scientology Official Site). It does not define God with a specific personal shape or dogma (Britannica).
Followers view God through the eighth dynamic, which represents infinity (Church of Scientology Official Site). Each person discovers their own understanding of God as awareness grows (Church of Scientology Official Site).
What Happens After You Die?
Scientology teaches that humans are immortal spirits called thetans (Britannica). When the physical body dies, the thetan moves to a newborn body (Church of Scientology Official Site).
Followers do not believe in Heaven or Hell (Britannica). Salvation means reaching spiritual freedom across many lifetimes (Church of Scientology Official Site).
History, Demographics, and Geography
L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in the United States in 1954 (Britannica). The Church claims millions of members worldwide (Church of Scientology Official Site).
Independent scholars estimate total active practitioners at tens of thousands globally (Pew Research Center). Most centers operate in North America, Europe, Australia, and South Africa (Church of Scientology Official Site).
What Are the Foundational Texts?
Scientology scriptures consist of the writings and recorded lectures of L. Ron Hubbard (Britannica). The foundational text is the 1950 book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (Church of Scientology Official Site).
Another core text is Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought (Church of Scientology Official Site). These works outline principles of mind, spirit, and life dynamics (Britannica).
Central Tenets and Moral Values
Scientology teaches that man is basically good (Church of Scientology Official Site). Spiritual progress requires clearing past traumatic memories called engrams (Britannica).
The moral code appears in The Way to Happiness, a non-religious guide (The Way to Happiness Foundation). It emphasizes honesty, self-respect, family care, and environmental protection (The Way to Happiness Foundation).
What Actions Do Followers Take?
Scientology practice relies on spiritual counseling and educational courses (Britannica). Members work up a progress chart called the Bridge to Total Freedom (Church of Scientology Official Site).
- Followers of this practice/religion must participate in auditing sessions. Talking with an auditor using an electropsychometer helps release past emotional trauma (Church of Scientology Official Site).
- Followers of this practice/religion must study Scientology training courses. Learning foundational doctrines helps practitioners improve personal relationships and abilities (Church of Scientology Official Site).
- If you want to follow this path, you have to avoid psychiatric drugs. Believing psychiatric treatments cause harm leads members to use spiritual methods instead (Church of Scientology Official Site).
- If you want to follow this path, you have to follow the code of honor. Applying ethical principles daily helps individuals maintain personal integrity (Church of Scientology Official Site).
Famous Figures Associated with Scientology
Historical Figures
L. Ron Hubbard was an American author who developed Dianetics and founded Scientology (Britannica). Chick Corea was a Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist who practiced Scientology for decades (Church of Scientology Official Site).
Modern Figures
Tom Cruise is an action movie actor who advocates for Scientology programs (IMDb Profile). John Travolta is an actor who credits Scientology for supporting his career (IMDb Profile). Elisabeth Moss is an actor who speaks about her lifelong practice (IMDb Profile). Michael Peña is a film actor who discusses how auditing aided his career (IMDb Profile).
How You Can Learn More
- Read introductory literature: Read foundational texts like Dianetics to understand core concepts (Church of Scientology Official Site).
- Review reference guides: Read entries on Scientology in academic reference guides (Britannica).
- Explore demographic data: Study sociological research reports on new religious movements (Pew Research Center).
Forum link: https://faith.kinsta.cloud/community/
Videos