Scientology

Scientology

Michael Cano

REL134

09/07/2015

University of Phoenix

• 1.) Introduction

• - Introduction to Scientology

• 2.) Scientology and its similarities Hinduism

• -Thatan and MEST – Samsara

• Indian Religions

• 3.) Women Rights

• Conclusion – Modern day

• Last page References

Scientology

Scientology was founded as a religion in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986). Hubbard initially made his name as an author of science-fiction books. Initially scientology began as a human-potential movement in the early 1950s; it then evolved quickly into the religion that is now called Church of Scientology. Originally Hubbard created a system that he thought would help people clarify their understanding of the human process of knowing. He created a hybrid name for the system, from scientia (Latin: “knowledge”) and logos (Greek: “reason,” “understanding”.) Those who practice scientology believe that if we can come to understand the human process of perceiving and reacting to the world then we will be able to see reality more clearly and respond to the world more rationally.

        Scientology has similarities with its underlying belief system that has parallels with many religions, particularly Gnosticism and some schools of Hinduism. The church believes there is a spiritual purpose to life, and it holds that the core of the human being is a soul or spiritual reality, which it calls the “Thetan.” According to scientology, the Thetan is in a state of imprisonment in the material world, which is called the MEST (matter, energy, space, and time.) MEST can be compared to the Hinduism belief of Samsara. Samsara is the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation envisioned in Hinduism and other Indian religions. In Hindu and Buddhist practice, samsara is the endless cycle of life and death from which adherents seek liberation. Scientologists aim for higher levels of insight and freedom as a human being. The aim is for the “Thatan” to achieve a god-like but actually original state. Every man is believed to have his potential of development. He is believed to be basically good and to have the potential to achieve a higher spiritual state and knowledge of the Supreme Being. With that being said, it can be said that Scientology possesses a theology, anthropology and a doctrine for salvation of inner coherence which is well throughout. This shows a great similarity between its teachings and those that exist in certain Indian religions and systems of religious philosophy. In those, we also find the concept that the deeds of man have consequences for his future lives in the form of experiences which can be reactivated and which then form his future. Through good acts, meditation and other exercises, these can be located and eliminated to benefit or make spiritual development possible at all. In the Hinduistic systems, the core and essence of every human being is thought to consist of a spiritual entity, a soul beyond all individuality. It is this soul that shall be relieved in order to return to its original state. Some of the common language of Scientology has its equivalence with the Indian technologies of salvation.

Women’s rights

        L. Ron Hubbard, completed his work before the modern feminist movement arose, and he had already moved into what was essentially a retired state when it was at its peak. Hubbard's lack of exposure to the ideas of feminism is evident in his use of pre-feminist language, referring, for example, to "mankind" rather than "humankind" and using male pronouns when referring to collectives of both genders. "The Creed of Scientology," which asserts a variety of rights for everyone, repeatedly states, "all men have inalienable rights. . ."In the use of such non-gender-inclusive language, Hubbard was a child of his age. Language is important when it comes to religion; it can be interpreted as a whole new meaning when it comes to gender. Although, Hubbard was surprisingly free of gender bias in his writings on Scientology. Both men and women were welcomed equally into Scientology at all levels and leadership roles were opened to all. From the beginning, women were invited to become auditors and ministers and to assume positions in international church leadership. The goal of Scientology is to produce free moral beings able to act as the masters of their own fate. The primacy of the thetan, generally spoken of in genderless terms, suggests the equality of all Thetans without regard for the gender of the body in which they have most recently been born. Both men and women grow up with the same reactive mind and must go through the same processes to reach Clear and become an Operating Thetan. Overall, in Scientology and their women rights are generally pretty fair and up-to-date with modern day rights.

        Scientology has recently become more popular in the world, especially since launching an HBO documentary and other documentaries to the world on the religion. L. Ron Hubbard now claims to have over 9,000 churches, missions, and affiliated groups worldwide. Some critics entitle this work that Hubbard has started is considered a “cult” more than a religion. Scientology faces many challenges in the modern world now. One challenge is proving their legitimacy of being entitles as a religion. Famous actor Tom Cruise has become a modern day face for scientology. He was even in the HBO documentary. Challenges in knowing more about the religion come about with a conflict with money. There have been numerous questions about what the money is used for in this religion. Overall scientology has spread worldwide, whether it is on the decline in recent years or not. It is globally known as a religion and continues to be practiced, especially in the United States.

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References

-University of Phoenix. (2012). Experiencing the Wolrd's Religions. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, REL134 website.

- Church of Scientology Internantional. (2015). Scientology. Retrieved from http://www.scientology.org/faq/scientology-ministers/scientology-position-on-women-ministers.html

-Church of Scientology Internantional. (2012 - 2015). Scientology. Retrieved from http://www.whatisscientology.org/

-Kent, S. A. (1996). Scientology's Relationship With Eastern Religious Traditions. Retrieved from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/kent/eastern.html