Scientology
| Scientology | |
|---|---|
| Family | New religious movement |
| Origin region | United States |
| Founding period | Founded in the early 1950s CE |
| Estimated adherents | A global new religious movement; membership estimates vary widely and are disputed. |
Scientology is scientology is a new religious movement founded by L. Ron Hubbard, teaching that humans are spiritual beings and using auditing, training, and organizational courses as central practices.
Overview
Scientology developed from Dianetics and the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. It presents humans as immortal spiritual beings, called thetans, and uses auditing and study courses to address spiritual barriers. Scientology is also the subject of significant public controversy involving legal disputes, organizational practices, and criticism from former members and governments.
Key beliefs
- The thetan as an immortal spiritual being
- The reactive mind and engrams in Dianetics terminology
- Spiritual advancement through auditing and training
- The Bridge to Total Freedom as a graded path
- Ethics, communication, and self-improvement as major themes
Practices
- Auditing sessions
- Training routines and course study
- Use of the E-meter in auditing contexts
- Organizational service and dissemination
- Ceremonies for naming, marriage, and funerals in some contexts
Places of worship
- Church of Scientology organization
- Mission or center
- Auditing room and course room
Sacred texts
- Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
- Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought
- Writings and recorded lectures of L. Ron Hubbard
Holidays and observances
- Founder-related observances
- Dianetics anniversary events
- Church organizational anniversaries
Branches and related traditions
- Dianetics - The precursor self-help system from which Scientology developed.
- Free Zone - Independent groups using Scientology-related practices outside the official Church.
- New Religious Movements - A broad category for modern religions and religious organizations.