Church of Scientology: history, beliefs, and organizational structure

Church of Scientology

Origins of the belief system

The founder Ron Hubbard

Scientology's concern is the spirit as opposed to the mind or body

The truth of scientology is understood by experiencing the principles

The ultimate goal is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom

Four original beliefs

Man is an immortal spiritual being.

His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.

His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.

Man is good, and his spiritual salvation depends upon himself, his fellows, and his attainment of enlightenment.

Eight dynamics

Self

Creativity

Group survival

Species

Life forms

Physical Universe

Spiritual dynamic

Infinity

Concept of God

The concept of God is the eight dynamic "the urge toward existence as infinity"

Mechanisms to Understand God

Auditing

Training

Views of the afterlife

Man is immortal spirit

Life continues from one form into another

Changes to the beliefs over time

Changes in tech

Increases in the number of steps on the bridge to enlightenment

Structure of the organization

The obscure nature of structure

Church of Scientology International

Religious Technology Center

Sanctions and punishments

Fair game

Complete ruin of dissenters

Summary

The church of scientology has attracted to its ranks many celebrities. The high profile nature of these celebrities has increased the level of scrutiny on the religion. This added interest in scientology has allowed mainstream religions to access many of its less obdurate practices and beliefs. While many Christian individuals avidly decry scientology as a cult, its draw is undeniable, as it represents another path to knowing about the spiritual dimension.

Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard was a scientific fiction writer who constructed a belief system that combines ideas of alien intervention in human affairs, with eastern beliefs concerning the nature of the individual. Hubbard was a widely travelled individual who spent a lot of time in China and India. He is reputedly one of the few individuals to have studied with the royal magicians from the court of Kublai Khan (What is, 2010). Hubbard applied scientific methodology to problems of human existence; the result was Dianetics. The ideas of Dianetics developed into Scientology, the religion.

There are four anchoring beliefs in the Church of Scientology. The first is, man is an immortal being (thetan), and as such does not die but migrates from one form of existence to another. Secondly, because man does not die, his experience extends beyond a single lifetime; all persons therefore have experienced several lifetimes in different forms and circumstances. The third belief is that man's capabilities are limitless. Unfortunately, many persons are unaware of the endless nature of their capabilities and live well below what is possible for them. The final belief is that man is good in his inner self.

The basis of scientology is eight dynamics, which address the core issues of human survival from the perspective of man as a spirit. The eight dynamic is God, and adherents are free to interpret God according to their own understanding (Weldon, 1993). To achieve connection with God and ultimate freedom adherents engage in the practice of auditing and training. While the central beliefs have experienced little modification, the "technology" and the steps to traverse the "bridge" have changed. These alterations are a financial boon to the organization.

The Church of Scientology International (CSI) acts as the main organizing and guiding body for other churches and groups. The CSI "also provides the broad planning and direction needed to support the Church's international growth" (What is, 2010). The CSI also engages is staff training on the "technology" of scientology. Another organ of the church, the Religious Technology Center (RTC) is the final arbiter in doctrinal matter and is the legal custodian of all church trademarks (Church of Scientology, 2010). The religious structure of the church has many hidden dimensions and remains highly elusive to outsiders (Nikos and Castillo, 2010).