PhD Experts 
Scientology is one of the most talked-about yet misunderstood religious movements in the modern world. From its connection with celebrities to allegations of secrecy and controversy, Scientology continues to attract global attention. But what exactly is Scientology? Is it a religion, a philosophy, a self-help system—or something else entirely?
In this blog, we explore the origins, beliefs, practices, and criticisms of Scientology to give you a comprehensive understanding of what it is and why it remains a subject of intrigue and debate.
Origins of Scientology
Scientology was founded in the early 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, an American science fiction writer and former naval officer. Before creating Scientology, Hubbard authored Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health in 1950, which served as the philosophical foundation for the movement. In Dianetics, Hubbard proposed that the human mind has two parts: the analytical mind and the reactive mind. The reactive mind stores painful memories—called engrams—that negatively influence behavior.
Dianetics aimed to help people rid themselves of these engrams through a counseling process known as auditing, allowing them to achieve a state called Clear—free from irrational fears and compulsions.
After facing criticism from the scientific and medical community, Hubbard transitioned Dianetics into a formal religious framework, founding the Church of Scientology in 1954 in Los Angeles. This move allowed the movement to grow as a spiritual organization rather than a psychological therapy.
Key Beliefs of Scientology
Unlike traditional religions that focus on deities or divine beings, Scientology centers on the understanding of the spirit, or Thetan, which is the true self of every person.
1. The Thetan
In Scientology, the Thetan is the immortal spiritual being that inhabits the human body. Thetans are believed to be eternal and have lived through countless past lives, even on other planets. The ultimate goal of Scientology is to return the Thetan to its original, god-like state, which has been diminished through traumatic experiences.
2. The Bridge to Total Freedom
Scientologists progress through a spiritual path known as The Bridge to Total Freedom, which includes multiple levels of advancement. This journey involves auditing and studying courses that help individuals better understand themselves and the universe.
Two key stages are:
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Clear: A person free of engrams.
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Operating Thetan (OT): A highly advanced spiritual state where the individual regains control over matter, energy, space, and time.
3. Auditing
Auditing is the central practice in Scientology. It involves a trained auditor guiding a subject through a series of questions designed to uncover engrams from past or present lives. An instrument called the E-meter (electropsychometer) is used to detect changes in electrical resistance, supposedly revealing areas of spiritual distress.
The goal is to resolve these issues and move closer to spiritual clarity and freedom.
Core Texts and Teachings
The primary texts of Scientology are the writings and lectures of L. Ron Hubbard, which span thousands of pages and recorded sessions. The most essential books include:
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Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
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Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought
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The Way to Happiness (a non-religious moral code)
These texts form the doctrinal basis for all teachings and practices within the Church.
The Church of Scientology
The Church of Scientology acts as the primary institution for the dissemination and practice of Scientology worldwide. It operates centers and missions across many countries and promotes programs related to literacy, drug rehabilitation, criminal reform, and human rights education.
Some of the church’s key affiliated organizations include:
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Narconon (drug rehab)
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Criminon (prison outreach)
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Applied Scholastics (educational methods)
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Citizens Commission on Human Rights (anti-psychiatry)
These entities claim to use L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings to address social problems, although critics argue they are also tools for recruitment and influence.
Scientology and Celebrities
Scientology is widely known for its association with Hollywood. The church has made significant efforts to recruit celebrities, believing their influence can help spread its message.
Some high-profile Scientologists include:
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Tom Cruise
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John Travolta
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Kirstie Alley (deceased)
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Elisabeth Moss
The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles is specifically designed for artists, leaders, and influencers. The church’s emphasis on celebrity endorsement is a strategic tool for visibility and legitimacy.
Controversies and Criticism
Despite its religious status, Scientology has faced heavy criticism from ex-members, journalists, governments, and religious scholars.
1. Secrecy and High Costs
Many of Scientology’s teachings—especially at higher OT levels—are kept secret until members pay tens of thousands of dollars to progress. Critics say the church operates more like a business than a religion, making spiritual enlightenment a product available only to the wealthy.
2. Disconnection Policy
Scientology enforces a policy known as Disconnection, where members are instructed to sever ties with individuals deemed “Suppressive Persons” (SPs)—often critics or former members. This has led to reports of families being torn apart.
3. Aggressive Legal Tactics
The church is known for its intense legal responses to critics and media. From lawsuits to surveillance, several former members and journalists report being harassed after going public with their experiences.
4. Tax-Exempt Status
The Church of Scientology was denied tax-exempt status in the U.S. for years, largely due to financial irregularities. However, in 1993, after a lengthy battle with the IRS, it was granted religious tax exemption. Critics argue the church used legal pressure to achieve this status.
5. Documentaries and Exposés
Documentaries such as “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” by Alex Gibney and the TV series “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” have brought damaging claims about the organization into public view. These works detail alleged abuse, forced labor, and mental manipulation.
Is Scientology a Religion?
This question remains contentious. The Church of Scientology considers itself a bona fide religion, citing its belief in the spirit, rituals of purification, and spiritual counseling.
Supporters argue:
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It offers a spiritual path like other religions.
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It provides moral codes and community.
Critics argue:
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Its teachings are based on science fiction.
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Its financial model and internal secrecy are incompatible with religious transparency.
Different countries view Scientology differently:
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United States: Recognized as a religion with tax-exempt status.
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Germany and France: Considered a commercial organization or cult under scrutiny.
The Global Presence of Scientology
The Church claims to have millions of members worldwide, although independent estimates suggest the number may be much lower. Despite declining public interest in some regions, Scientology maintains a significant presence through its large real estate holdings and international outreach.
Major centers include:
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Flag Land Base in Clearwater, Florida (the spiritual headquarters)
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Saint Hill Manor in the UK (Hubbard’s former home)
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Advanced Orgs across Europe, the U.S., and Australia
Final Thoughts
Scientology is a unique and complex system blending spirituality, self-help, science fiction, and controversial practices. Whether viewed as a genuine religion, a cult, or a personal development method, it continues to spark curiosity and criticism alike.
Understanding Scientology requires moving beyond the headlines and exploring its teachings, organization, and real-world impact. While some individuals report personal transformation and fulfillment, others speak of trauma, coercion, and loss.
As with any belief system, the truth often lies in the lived experiences of its followers—and those who walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who was L. Ron Hubbard?
A: L. Ron Hubbard was an American author and founder of Scientology. He wrote both fiction and non-fiction and claimed to have discovered a spiritual science that could improve human well-being.
Q: What does “Clear” mean in Scientology?
A: “Clear” is a state in which a person has removed the reactive mind and is free from irrational fears and subconscious trauma.
Q: Why is Scientology controversial?
A: Controversies include its high costs, secretive teachings, alleged abuse of members, disconnection policy, and aggressive tactics toward critics.
Q: Is Scientology legal?
A: Yes, it is legal in most countries, but its status as a religion varies. In the U.S., it is recognized as a church, but in other countries, it may be treated as a commercial or cult-like organization.
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