Scientology Beliefs

QUESTION: What are the Scientology beliefs?

ANSWER:

Scientology teaches that man is an immortal, spiritual being composed of three parts: the first of these is the spirit, or thetan, (from the Greek letter theta, meaning “thought” or “spirit”), the mind, and the body. The body is not the person, and the most important of these three parts is the thetan.

The official Scientology website also states “In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results.”¹

Scientologists believe that the basic command in life is to survive, and this command is broken into eight dynamics, meaning urges or impulses. All activities can be understood and harmonized with each other to increase survival. The dynamics are Infinity (God or Creator), Spiritual, Physical Universe, Life Forms, Mankind, Group Survival, Family, and Self.

“Through Scientology, a person realizes that his life and influence extend far beyond himself. By understanding each of these dynamics and their relationship, one to the other, he is able to do so, and thus increase survival on all of these dynamics.”²

A principle of great importance in Scientology is the Arc Triangle. Affinity, reality, and communication form an interdependent triangle that adds up to understanding and assists relationships. A Tone Scale in which things are given a number, or a “tone,” and as a person’s knowledge of the Tone Scale increases, so does his happiness, well-being, self-esteem, and other desirable qualities.

Scientology beliefs – Drugs, Reincarnation, Peace
Scientologists believe that all drugs are poisons that inhibit spiritual freedom. L. Ron Hubbard found that drugs and chemical residues are stored in the tissues of the body, and as long as they remain in the body a person’s abilities can remain suppressed. To dislodge the toxins, a person participates in a Purification Rundown which involves sweating in a sauna, mega-vitamin and mineral dosages, extra oil, good nutrition, and adequate rest.

Scientologists also believe in reincarnation and the “truths” that can be learned through past lives. These experiences can affect the thetan positively or negatively. The main way the principles of Scientology can be applied is through “auditing” where the auditor helps a person examine certain areas of their life and get rid of any unwanted influences to heighten ability and awareness. A device called an E-Meter is also used in this process. It measures a person’s mental state and it helps the auditor locate areas of distress.

The aims of Scientology are “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…”