Scientology

Introduction

Before we begin, we must determine what Scientology really is. What does the term mean? Where does it come from? What is it used for? And most importantly, is Scientology really a religion?

Scientology as described in the book The Fundamentals of Thought by L. Ron Hubbard, is an applied religious philosophy and technology resolving problems of the spirit, life, and thought. It is supposed to make "the able more able". It is said to be a philosophy that deals with daily life situations, and offers methods to enhance your life. Scientology, if it actually works, is supposed to help us think more clearly, and with better accuracy, therefore, it will allow us to use more of our brain, giving us the ability to understand situations better so we will be able to make the correct decisions when we need to make them.

Scientology stems from something called Dianetics. Dianetics came into view in 1950, when a man named L. Ron Hubbard wrote the book. We will talk about Mr. Hubbard later, for now we will focus on Dianetics. Dianetics was originally published as an original thesis, and it evolved into a book. Dianetics was a new mental science that Mr. Hubbard supposedly invented, or came up with through his years of research. The word Dianetics comes from the Greek dia meaning through, and nous meaning mind, hence "through the mind". Dianetics is described as the basic science of human thought. (The Hidden Story of Scientology, Omar V. Garrison, pg 20). L. Ron Hubbard describes Dianetics as an exploration through the human mind. The strange thing about Scientology and Dianetics is that it seems to actually work. Please do not get confused. I do not mean that this is a true religion and that by seeking this out that it will help you in your spiritual walk, or in any special, religious or spiritual needs. It just means that those who have been able to use the techniques correctly have actually improved their lives in certain areas.

The next question is; is Scientology really a religion? No it is not. The goal of Scientology is to make for yourself a better life, to be able to have control over mind, matter, energy, space, and even time. This seems to be different than many other religions, because other religions worship a person, or a god. In our religion, Christianity, we worship THE God, Yahweh. It seems to me that Scientology tries to make us gods. There is no other being that can control energy, time, or space, except God. If we could do all that, then we should be gods, but we can't because we are God's creations. We are not perfect, but we do what we can to excel and try to be LIKE God. However, we will never be able to become like our Lord.

L. Ron Hubbard

One question we must ask, is who started Scientology? Or was it always there? Scientology was founded by a man Lafayette Ronald Hubbard.

He has described his philosophy in more than 5,000 writings, including dozens of books, and in 3,000 tape-recorded lectures. Those who regularly employ his teachings to improve themselves and help their fellows come from all walks of life, while Scientology missions and churches have been established on six continents.

The universal acclaim for the man - including thousands of awards and recognitions from individuals and groups and the unprecedented popularity of his works among people from all walks of life - is but one indicator of the effectiveness of his technologies. More importantly, there are millions of people around the world who consider they have no greater friend.

Although long celebrated as a writer, novelist and explorer, it was the 1950 publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health that initially focused world attention on L. Ron Hubbard. That book, which marked a turning point in history, provided the first workable approach to solving the problems of the mind, the first hope that something could be done about the causes of irrational behavior - war, crime and insanity. Dianetics is something that anyone can use to help improve himself and his fellows. Hence, when the book was released, Amherst College Political Science Professor, Dr. Frederick L. Schuman's declaration in the New York Times: "History has become a race between Dianetics and catastrophe. Dianetics will win, if enough people are challenged in time to understand it."

Although most men might have been satisfied with such an accomplishment, L. Ron Hubbard did not stop at Dianetics. Yes, he had solved the riddle of the human mind, but there still remained unsolved questions regarding the nature of the human being himself, outstanding puzzles concerning that long-sought-after "something" we call life. And from his methodical and wholly scientific research into this problem came the applied religious philosophy of Scientology, offering not only greater happiness and ability but also solutions to such seemingly hopeless social problems as drug abuse, the decline of moral standards and illiteracy - always providing effective and workable solutions as he found them.

The story of Dianetics and Scientology began long before the publication of Mr. Hubbard's first book on the subject. Indeed, even in his early youth he exemplified a rare sense of purpose and dedication which, combined with his adventurous spirit, made him a living legend. His lifelong search for answers to the human condition was equally adventurous; for unlike other philosophers content to view events from an ivory tower, he knew that to really understand one's fellow man, one had to be part of life. One had to rub elbows with all kinds and types of people. And, one had to explore the nooks and crannies of all existence.

This site will cover the key incidents that shaped L. Ron Hubbard's life, and the important milestones on the road to his discoveries. By any measure, it was an immensely full and interesting life, but the true value of it lies in the legacy that he left mankind.

Son of naval commander Harry Ross Hubbard and Ledora May Hubbard, L. Ron Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911 in Tilden, Nebraska. At the age of two, he and his family took up residence on a ranch outside Kalispell, Montana, and from there moved to the state's capital, Helena.

As a young boy he learned much about survival in the rugged Far West - with what he called "its do-and-dare attitudes, its wry humor, cowboy pranks, and make-nothing of the worst and most dangerous." Not only could he ride horses at the age of three and a half, but was soon able to rope and break broncos with the best of them.

L. Ron Hubbard's mother was a rarity in her time. A thoroughly educated woman, who had attended