Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scientology?
The word Scientology, conceived by L. Ron Hubbard, comes from the Latin scio which means “know” or “distinguish,” and from the Greek word logos which means “reason itself” or “inward thought.” Thus it means the study of wisdom or knowledge. It means knowing how to know. Scientology is defined as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life.
What are the Aims of Scientology?
“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.”
What is it all about?
Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to an understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and of one’s relationship with self, family, groups, humanity, all life forms, everything material, everything spiritual and the Supreme Being.
Scientology addresses the spirit — not simply the body or mind — and believes that man is far more than a product of his environment or his genes.
Scientology is a body of knowledge, which is based on certain fundamental truths.
Prime among these are:
- Man is an immortal spiritual being.
- His experience extends well beyond one lifetime.
- His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.
In what way is Scientology a religion?
Scientology is a religion in the most traditional sense of the term. Scientology helps man become more aware of God, more aware of his own spiritual nature and that of those around him. Scientology holds in common with many religions the dream of peace on Earth and salvation for humanity. What is new about Scientology is that it offers a precise path for bringing about spiritual improvement in one’s life in the here and now and a way to accomplish it with certainty.
Does one have to change one’s religion to be a Scientologist?
No. Scientology doesn’t require that anyone convert. Indeed Scientology can compliment one’s existing religion. Scientologists include Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and those with no other religion. Having two religions in quite common in the Far East.
How is Scientology a church?
A church is simply a congregation of people who participate in common religious activities. There were churches ten thousand years before there were Christians, and Christianity itself was a revolt against the established church. Since Scientology is a religion, the use of the word church when referring to Scientology is correct.
What is the Scientology cross?
It is an eight-pointed cross representing eight parts of life through which each individual is striving to survive. As a matter of interest, the cross as a symbol predates Christianity.
What is Scientology’s concept of God?
Scientology teaches that the Supreme Being exists and that it has the attribute of infinity. It is basic Scientology teaching that each individual must come to their own understanding of what the Supreme Being is. Thus there are many different concepts of God held by individual Scientologists.
How does Scientology regard other religions?
Scientology greatly respects all other religions in their quest for the spiritual salvation of humankind. Scientology encourages trust, dialogue, understanding and tolerance between all religions.