World Religions and False Cults World Religions and False Cults Part 9 - Part 9 - Scientology

The History of Scientology The History of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard was born to a U.S. Naval family in 1911. World L. Ron Hubbard was born to a U.S. Naval family in 1911. World travels introduced him to eastern philosophies and religions, travels introduced him to eastern philosophies and religions, influencing many of his views and stirring within him a fascin- influencing many of his views and stirring within him a fascin- ation with the mind. He first gained popularity as a science ation with the mind. He first gained popularity as a science fiction writer. Hubbard later claimed to have a near-fatal injury fiction writer. Hubbard later claimed to have a near-fatal injury during WWII, but said his injuries and depression were over- during WWII, but said his injuries and depression were over- come through specific techniques, which he explained in his come through specific techniques, which he explained in his book : The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950). book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950). The book became a best seller, leading to the formation of the The book became a best seller, leading to the formation of the . However, Hubbard’s injury claim was Church of Scientology. However, Hubbard’s injury claim was disputed as no military record proved such an incident occurred. disputed as no military record proved such an incident occurred. Such controversy would follow the “church” as continual legal Such controversy would follow the “church” as continual legal battles with the IRS and ex-members would arise. Regardless, battles with the IRS and ex-members would arise. Regardless, some wealthy individuals embraced Hubbard’s teaching, helping some wealthy individuals embraced Hubbard’s teaching, helping promote it to the 500,000 (approx.) followers it has today. promote it to the 500,000 (approx.) followers it has today.

Core Beliefs of Scientology Core Beliefs of Scientology Each person’s soul (the true self or “”) is plagued by count- Each person’s soul (the true self or “thetan”) is plagued by count- less “engrams” (unconscious mental images from childhood or less “engrams” (unconscious mental images from childhood or previous lives that negatively affect our thinking). They can be previous lives that negatively affect our thinking). They can be detected through an “e-meter” machine and removed through detected through an “e-meter” machine and removed through “” (special counseling, dianetics). These issues originated “auditing” (special counseling, dianetics). These issues originated with (an evil galactic warlord) who sent 13.5 trillion “body with Xenu (an evil galactic warlord) who sent 13.5 trillion “body ” to earth who have implanted false ideas in our minds. thetans” to earth who have implanted false ideas in our minds. ➢ God: There is not much of a focus on a god. A Supreme ➢ God: There is not much of a focus on a god. A Supreme Being is referenced to on occasion, but an understanding of Being is referenced to on occasion, but an understanding of who or what that is ultimately is left up to the individual. who or what that is ultimately is left up to the individual. ➢ Mankind: We are basically good. Our only problem is en- ➢ Mankind: We are basically good. Our only problem is en- grams that keep us from happiness and fulfillment. Elimin- grams that keep us from happiness and fulfillment. Elimin- ating these through auditing (though expensive) is key. ating these through auditing (though expensive) is key. ➢ Salvation: Progressing through stages of increased mental ➢ Salvation: Progressing through stages of increased mental clarity purges all trauma, depression, (etc.). The goal is a clarity purges all trauma, depression, (etc.). The goal is a god-like state over all matter, energy, space and time. god-like state over all matter, energy, space and time.

Keys for Evangelism Keys for Evangelism ➢ Understand that many followers may be involved only on a ➢ Understand that many followers may be involved only on a surface level. Expose the history and core beliefs in detail. surface level. Expose the history and core beliefs in detail. ➢ Address our true problem (sin) and the dilemma it has ➢ Address our true problem (sin) and the dilemma it has created between us and God. Point to Christ as the answer. created between us and God. Point to Christ as the answer. Elevate Student Ministries Elevate Student Ministries