|
Archive-name: scientology/users/catechism/part2
Last-modified: 1995/2/7 Version: 1.31 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
--------------< FAQ: Scientology Catechism [2 of 3] >----------------------
(Note: In the orginal text, italics were used to show emphasis or to
indicate that a word is being defined. Italics denoting emphasis
are shown here with *asterisks* surrounding the word, and italicized
words that were being defined, are shown here with 'single quotes'.
My comments are in [square brackets].
The book _What is Scientology?_, from which this file was taken, is
available in ASCII form via anonymous FTP from FTP.PCNET.COM out
of the directory /users/brianw/wis).
==========================================================================
"A SCIENTOLOGY CATECHISM"
[File 2 of 3]
Part Nine of _What is Scientology?_
Copyright (c) 1992, Church of Scientology International, All Rights
Reserved. Used with permission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS [Located in file 1 of 3]
1.1 What does the word 'Scientology' mean?
1.2 What is Scientology about?
1.3 How did Scientology start?
1.4 How come it's all based on one man's work?
1.5 Why is Scientology called a religion?
1.6 Why is Scientology a church?
2. WHAT SCIENTOLOGY DOES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL [Located in file 1 of 3]
2.1 How does Scientology work?
2.2 What does Scientology accomplish?
2.3 What claims are made for Scientology?
2.4 How do people get into Scientology?
3. SCIENTOLOGY AND OTHER PRACTICES [Located in file 1 of 3]
3.1 Is Scientology like hypnotism, meditation, psychotherapy or
other mental therapies?
3.2 Is Scientology a secret society?
3.3 In what way does Scientology differ from other religions
and religious philosophies?
3.4 Does Scientology interfere with other religions?
3.5 What does Scientology think of other religions?
3.6 What does Scientology have to say about Christianity?
4. SCIENTOLOGY BELIEFS [Located in file 1 of 3]
4.1 Is man a spirit?
4.2 How does one know man is a spirit?
4.3 What is the Scientology concept of God?
4.4 Can't God be the only one to help man?
4.5 Does Scientology believe in brotherly love?
4.6 Why do Scientologists want to help people?
4.7 Does Scientology recognize good and evil?
4.8 Does Scientology believe man is sinful?
4.9 Will Scientology put man in control of his mind?
4.10 Is Scientology about the mind?
4.11 Does Scientology believe in mind over matter?
4.12 Does Scientology believe one can exist outside of the
body?
4.13 Does Scientology believe in reincarnation or past lives?
4.14 Does Scientology believe in charity and welfare?
4.15 Does Scientology hold any political views?
4.16 Can children participate in Scientology? How?
4.17 What does Scientology say about the raising of children?
4.18 Can one make up his own mind about Scientology?
4.19 What is the Scientology cross?
4.20 What religious holidays do Scientologists celebrate?
5. SCIENTOLOGY'S FOUNDER [Located in file 1 of 3]
5.1 Is L. Ron Hubbard still alive?
5.2 Who was L. Ron Hubbard?
5.3 What was L. Ron Hubbard's role in the Church?
5.4 Has L. Ron Hubbard's death affected the Church?
5.5 How did L. Ron Hubbard rise above the reactive mind when
others didn't?
5.6 Did L. Ron Hubbard make a lot of money out of Scientology?
5.7 Was L. Ron Hubbard a millionaire?
5.8 How is it that one man could discover so much information?
5.9 Do Scientologists believe that L. Ron Hubbard was Jesus
Christ?
5.10 Did L. Ron Hubbard go Clear?
6. SCIENTOLOGY ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES [Located in file 2 of 3]
6.1 How do Scientologists view life?
6.2 What moral codes do Scientologists live by?
6.3 What is Scientology's view on drugs?
6.4 Why are there so many young people on staff in Scientology?
6.5 Do you have any special dietary laws or rules against
smoking or drinking in Scientology?
6.6 Do Scientologists use medical doctors?
6.7 In Scientology does one have to sacrifice one's
individuality?
6.8 What benefits can one get from Scientology?
6.9 What is Scientology's system of ethics?
6.10 What does 'clear the planet' mean?
6.11 What does 'suppressive person' mean?
6.12 What is disconnection?
6.13 Is Scientology a cult?
6.14 Does Scientology engage in brainwashing or mind control?
6.15 Does Scientology actively promote for new members?
6.16 Does one really need Scientology to do well in life?
6.17 Does one have to believe in Scientology?
6.18 Why do Scientologists sometimes seem so intent on what
they are doing?
6.19 What do the terms 'preclear', 'student' and 'auditor'
mean?
6.20 What is the E-Meter(R) and how does it work?
7. THE ORGANIZATIONS OF SCIENTOLOGY [Located in file 2 of 3]
7.1 Scientology is a philosophy. Why does it need to be
organized?
7.2 How many people work in a Scientology church?
7.3 How is Scientology organized?
7.4 Where are Scientology churches located?
7.5 What does a Scientology church or mission actually do?
7.6 What is the Office of Special Affairs?
7.7 What is the Flag Service Organization?
7.8 What is the Flag Ship Service Organization?
7.9 What is the Sea Organization?
7.10 Is it true that people in the Sea Org sign a billion-year
contract?
7.11 Why does Scientology have ministers? Are all
Scientologists ministers?
7.12 What are field staff members?
7.13 Why is everything copyrighted and trademarked in
Scientology?
[7.14 Does the IRS recognize Church organizations as non-profit
charitable organizations?]
8. CHURCH FUNDING [Located in file 2 of 3]
8.1 Why do Scientologists make donations?
8.2 Why does one have to make donations to separate
organizations for their services?
8.3 What about those who cannot afford to make donations for
services?
8.4 Is the Church profit-making?
8.5 How much does it cost to go Clear?
8.6 How well paid are Scientology staff?
[8.6 Are donations made to the Church of Scientology tax
deductible in the United States?]
9. SCIENTOLOGY BOOKS [Located in file 2 of 3]
9.1 What is the best book for a beginning Scientologist to
read?
9.2 Are the books difficult to understand?
9.3 Where can L. Ron Hubbard's books be purchased?
9.4 What books should one read to get information about:
9.4.1 Dianetics?
9.4.2 Basic Scientology principles?
9.4.3 Self-help, tests, and processes?
9.4.4 Handling the residual effects of drugs and toxins?
9.4.5 Basic principles of communication?
9.4.6 Predicting human behavior and understanding people?
9.4.7 How to increase success on the job?
9.4.8 Basic principles of organization?
9.4.9 Basic principles of management?
9.4.10 The principles of ethics and how to use them to
live a more productive life?
9.4.11 Study methods?
9.4.12 Procedures to increase one's spiritual awareness
and abilities?
9.4.13 Past lives and how they relate to this life?
9.4.14 The application of basic Scientology technology to
help others improve their lives?
9.5 How can one get happiness out of a book?
10. DIANETICS [Located in file 2 of 3]
10.1 What is Dianetics?
10.2 What is the mind? Where is the mind?
10.3 What is the difference between the analytical mind and the
reactive mind?
10.4 What is the difference between Scientology and Dianetics?
11. SCIENTOLOGY AND DIANETICS COURSES [Located in file 3 of 3]
11.1 What training should a person take first?
11.2 What does one get out of Scientology and Dianetics
courses?
11.3 How are Scientology and Dianetics training different from
studying philosophy or other religions?
11.4 Should I get my auditing before I get trained?
11.5 When can I take Scientology courses?
11.6 How are Scientology courses run?
11.7 When do I actually gain experience in auditing others?
11.8 When can I take the Minister's Course?
11.9 How long do courses take?
11.10 Are Scientology Course Supervisors university trained?
12. SCIENTOLOGY AND DIANETICS AUDITING [Located in file 3 of 3]
12.1 What is the difference between the auditing and training
routes in Scientology?
12.2 Do all the people on staff in Scientology receive auditing
as well as training?
12.3 Why does one have to wait six weeks for auditing if one
has been habitually using drugs?
12.4 Will antibiotics prevent me from getting auditing?
12.5 Is it okay to take any sort of drugs when you are in
Scientology?
12.6 How many hours of auditing a day to people receive?
12.7 Has the technology of auditing changed since the early
days of Scientology?
12.8 What will I get out of auditing?
12.9 Does auditing really work in all cases?
12.10 What auditing handles physical pains or discomforts?
12.11 What can auditing cure?
12.12 Can one go exterior (be separate from the body) in
auditing?
13. THE STATE OF CLEAR [Located in file 3 of 3]
13.1 What is Clear?
13.2 How does one go Clear?
13.3 How long does it take to go Clear?
13.4 If one goes Clear, will he lose his emotions?
13.5 What can you do when you are Clear?
13.6 Are Clears perfect?
13.7 Do Clears eat food and sleep?
13.8 Do Clears get colds and get sick?
13.9 If Clears no longer have a reactive mind, why do they
still need to get auditing?
14. THE STATE OF OPERATING THETAN [Located in file 3 of 3]
14.1 What is meant by Operating Thetan (OT)?
14.2 How would you describe the state of Operating Thetan?
14.3 Why are the OT materials confidential?
15. A SCIENTOLOGY CAREER [Located in file 3 of 3]
15.1 Can one audit as a career?
15.2 Of what value would it be to have my child trained as an
auditor?
15.3 Can one make Scientology a career in some other way than
by being a minister?
16. SCIENTOLOGY IN SOCIETY [Located in file 3 of 3]
16.1 I've heard that Scientologists are doing good things for
society. What are some specific examples?
16.2 Is Scientology active in Black communities and countries?
16.3 Do doctors, schools, social workers, businessmen and other
professional people use Scientology?
16.4 Why has Scientology sometimes been considered
controversial?
16.5 Why has Scientology been to court a lot of times?
16.6 Are there any laws against the practice of Scientology?
Has it been banned?
16.7 How does Scientology view deprogrammers and groups that
attempt to force people to denounce their chosen religion?
16.8 Why is Scientology opposed to psychiatry?
16.9 Why do some people oppose Scientology?
16.10 Is Scientology trying to rule the world?
16.11 Can Scientology do anything to improve the world
situation?
---------
6. SCIENTOLOGY ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES
6.1 How do Scientologists view life?
As a game -- a game in which everyone can win.
Scientologists are optimistic about life and believe
there is hope for a saner world and better civilization
and are actively doing all they can to achieve this.
6.2 What moral codes do Scientologists live by?
There are four main codes that Scientologists apply in
life. One is the Auditor's Code which gives the basic
rules an auditor must abide by to ensure excellent
auditing results.
Another is the Code of a Scientologist, guidelines which
Scientologists agree to follow in order to achieve the
aims of Scientology.
There is an ethical code, called the Code of Honor, that
Scientologists use in dealing with their fellow men.
L. Ron Hubbard has also written a nonreligious moral code
called "The Way to Happiness" which gives basic precepts
for a happy life. This moral code is used by
Scientologists and non-Scientologists alike, with tens of
millions of copies distributed in communities all around
the world.
6.3 What is Scientology's view on drugs?
Scientologists consider that drugs cause damaging effects
on a person -- physically, mentally and spiritually. They
decrease awareness and hinder abilities. They are a
"solution" to some other problem, which themselves become
a problem.
Scientologists do not take street drugs or mind-altering
psychiatric drugs.
Scientologists do use prescribed drugs as part of medical
programs from competent physicians, but have found that
as a result of auditing, they need to take medical drugs
much less frequently and also that medications such as
antibiotics seem to work more rapidly when being audited.
For more information about drugs and what can be done
about them, the book _Clear Body, Clear Mind: The
Effective Purification Program_ is recommended.
6.4 Why are there so many young people on staff in Scientology?
Many Scientologists are under thirty-five. We find that
young Scientologists enjoy the lifestyle working in the
Church. It may be that due to the expansion of
Scientology they find that there are many opportunities
to achieve responsible positions quite rapidly. Many
families have three generations working in Scientology.
There are also a great many older people in Scientology.
6.5 Do you have any special dietary laws or rules against
smoking or drinking in Scientology?
No. There are no dietary laws whatsoever and no general
prohibitions against smoking or drinking. The only
guidelines in Scientology are that no alcohol is allowed
twenty-four hours prior to or during auditing sessions,
and that no drinking is allowed twenty-four hours prior
to or during study. The effects of the alcohol would make
it impossible to get the gains one can get from auditing
and training.
Smoking is forbidden in course rooms or during auditing
sessions, as such would distract oneself and others.
Rules for student behavior are laid out in a Church
policy called the "Student's Guide to Acceptable
Behavior."
6.6 Do Scientologists use medical doctors?
Yes. The Church of Scientology has always had the firm
policy of sending sick parishioners to medical doctors to
handle the physical aspect of any illness or injury. A
Scientologist with a physical condition is instructed to
get the needed medical examination and treatment. He then
resumes his auditing so as to handle any spiritual trauma
connected with the physical condition. There are also
many medical doctors who are Scientologists.
6.7 In Scientology does one have to sacrifice one's
individuality?
No. People are unique, even though they have in common
certain problems and aberrations. As they become
disentangled from the stimulus-response part of their
mind, they become more them- selves, more unique, more
individual and learn to believe in themselves. In fact,
becoming more aware of and able to express one's own
unique beingness is encouraged in Scientology.
Scientology teaches one to maintain his personal
integrity and to develop fully as an individual.
6.8 What benefits can one get from Scientology?
In reviewing success stories written by Scientologists,
there are a few common themes that stand out. One is that
many people have attained the ability to communicate in
relationships, whether with family members and spouses,
friends, or even mere acquaintances; another is that they
are freed from stress at work and in other areas of their
lives; another common one is that they can expand their
potential and do things they never thought possible.
6.9 What is Scientology's system of ethics?
L. Ron Hubbard has defined 'ethics' as "reason and the
contemplation of optimum survival."
In Scientology, ethics is a rational system based on a
number of codes of practice.
L. Ron Hubbard has pointed out: "Dishonest conduct is
nonsurvival. Anything is unreasonable or evil which
brings about the destruction of individuals, groups, or
inhibits the future of the race."
Man has long postulated a means by which he could put
himself on the right path. As long ago as 500 B.C.,
religions recognized that confession frees a person
spiritually from the burden of sin.
In Scientology, it has been found that a Confessional (a
type of auditing) assists the person who has transgressed
against his own and his group's moral code to unburden
himself and again feel good about himself and be a
contributing member of the group.
L. Ron Hubbard has written: "No man who is not himself
honest can be free -- he is his own trap. When his own
deeds cannot be disclosed, then he is a prisoner; he must
withhold himself from his fellows and is a slave to his
own conscience."
In addition to the Confessional, Scientology's ethics
system includes a body of technology called conditions
formulas. Mr. Hubbard discovered that there are various
states of existence in which an individual operates
(called "conditions") and that there are exact formulas
connected with these operating states. Each formula has
a number of exact steps.
A person can determine what condition or operating state
any area of his life is in and apply the conditions
formulas to move it into a higher condition.
While very simple, such actions are quite powerful and
have enabled millions of individuals to improve
conditions in their lives in ways they never thought
possible.
These are just two of the tools from the wealth of ethics
technology that exists in Scientology. Complete
information on this subject is contained in the book
_Introduction to Scientology Ethics_ by L. Ron Hubbard.
6.10 What does "clear the planet" mean?
It means that Scientologists want to clear the planet of
insanity, war and crime, and in its place create a
civilization in which sanity and peace exist. In order to
do this, they must help individuals become clear of their
own individual insanities and regain awareness that they
are basically good.
6.11 What does "suppressive person" mean?
According to L. Ron Hubbard, a suppressive person is "a
person who seeks to 'suppress', or squash, any betterment
activity or group. A suppressive person suppresses other
people in his vicinity. This is the person whose behavior
is calculated to be disastrous." Well-known examples of
such a personality are Napoleon and Hitler.
Mr. Hubbard found that a suppressive person, also called
an antisocial personality, has definite antisocial
attributes.
The basic reason the antisocial personality behaves as he
or she does lies in a hidden terror of others.
To such a person every other being is an enemy, an enemy
to be covertly or overtly destroyed.
The fixation is that survival itself depends on "keeping
others down" or "keeping people ignorant."
If anyone were to promise to make others stronger or
brighter, the antisocial personality suffers the utmost
agony of personal danger.
Because of this, the suppressive person seeks to upset,
continuously undermine, spread bad news about and
denigrate Scientology and Scientologists. The antisocial
personality is against what Scientology is about --
helping people become more able and improving conditions
in society.
For the good of the Church and the individuals in it,
such a person is officially labeled a suppressive person
so that others will know not to associate with him.
For more understanding of suppressive persons and how to
handle them, the book _Introduction to Scientology
Ethics_ is recommended.
6.12 What is disconnection?
A Scientologist can have trouble making spiritual
progress in his auditing or training if he is connected
to someone who is suppressive or who is antagonistic to
Scientology or its tenets. He will get better from
Scientology, but then may lose his gains because he is
being invalidated by the antagonistic person. In order to
resolve this, he either handles the other person's
antagonism with true data about the Church, or as a last
resort when all attempts to handle have failed, he
disconnects from the person.
In 1983, L. Ron Hubbard clearly defined the two terms,
"disconnect" and "handle," as related to this subject:
"The term 'handle' most commonly means to smooth out a
situation with another person by applying the technology
of communication.
"The term 'disconnection' is defined as a self-determined
decision made by an individual that he is not going to be
connected to another. It is a severing of a communication
line.
"The basic principle of handle or disconnect exists in
any group and ours is no different.
"It is much like trying to deal with a criminal. If he
will not handle, the society resorts to the only other
solution: It `disconnects' the criminal from the society.
In other words, they remove the guy from society and put
him in a prison because he won't 'handle' his problem or
otherwise cease to commit criminal acts against others."
A person who disconnects is simply exercising his right
to communicate or not to communicate with a particular
person. This is one of the most fundamental rights of
man. "Communication, however, is a two-way flow," Mr.
Hubbard pointed out. "If one has the right to
communicate, then one must also have the right to not
receive communication from another. It is this latter
corollary of the right to communicate that gives us our
right to privacy."
Another example is marriage. In a monogamous society, the
agreement is that one will be married to only one person
at a time. If one partner, say the husband, starts to
have second dynamic relations with a person other than
his partner, the wife has the right to insist either that
this communication cease or that the marriage itself
ends. In this example, the optimum solution would be for
the wife to resolve the situation through communication
so that her husband, who is violating the agreements, is
handled. But if this is not possible, then the wife has
no choice other than to disconnect (sever the marriage
communication lines if only by separation). To do
otherwise will only bring disaster, as the wife is
connected to someone antagonistic to the original
agreements on which the marriage is based. With the
technology of handle or disconnect, Scientologists are,
in actual fact, doing nothing different than any society,
group or marriage down through thousands of years.
6.13 Is Scientology a cult?
Assuming that modern usage of the word 'cult' implies an
elite secrecy and unthinking zealotry, then consider
this: Scientology is the fastest growing religion in the
world today. The materials that comprise Scientology
scriptures are fully codified, broadly published and
available to anyone. Churches and missions are open to
the public seven days a week. Anyone can come in for a
tour and see for himself what the Church is all about.
Scientology is unique in that it contains no dogma and
its adherents are not told or forced to "believe"
anything. In Scientology, what is true for the individual
is only what he has observed and knows is true for him.
Scientology is a technology one can use and through its
use discover its workability for oneself.
Scientologists come from all walks of life, ranging from
teachers to businessmen, physicians, housewives, artists,
engineers, nurses, construction workers, celebrities,
marketing and administrative personnel, secretaries,
athletes, civil servants and many others.
The Church and its actions are far from secretive; there
is nothing mystical about Scientology or its members or
practices. The Church's leaders are in close touch with
the membership; they hold a number of briefing events
each year which are attended by tens of thousands.
Scientologists actively improve their communities; they
are out there, involved, visible and effective.
The fact of the matter is there isn't a religion today
that hasn't been called a cult at some point in its
history by antagonistic interests. Nazis thought Jews and
Eastern European religious sects to be cults. In the
sixteenth century Catholics considered reform churches
cults. Earlier than that Roman rulers considered the
Christian community a cult. History has taught us to
beware of those who would label *any* religious group a
cult. It is traditionally the first step before wholesale
persecution, and is always the statement of an
unenlightened and uninformed individual, usually with ill
motives as the Nazi history makes so clear.
6.14 Does Scientology engage in brainwashing or mind control?
No. In fact, what we do is exactly the opposite. We free
people and enable them to think for themselves.
Millions of Church members from literally all walks of
life have attested to the positive benefits received from
Scientology. A common theme to their personal success
stories is that they are now more in control of their
lives than they ever have been.
In fact, Mr. Hubbard was one of the first to discover and
expose *actual* mind control and brainwashing
experimentation conducted by United States military and
intelligence agencies during and after World War II. He
called these techniques "pain-drug-hypnosis" or PDH.
In his 1951 book, _Science of Survival_, Mr. Hubbard
wrote: "There is another form of hypnotism . . . This
form of hypnotism has been a carefully guarded secret of
certain military and intelligence organizations. It is a
vicious war weapon and may be of considerably more use in
conquering a society than the atomic bomb. This is no
exaggeration. The extensiveness of the use of this form
of hypnotism in espionage work is so wide today that it
is long past the time when people should have become
alarmed about it. It required Dianetic processing to
uncover pain-drug-hypnosis. Otherwise, pain-drug-hypnosis
was out of sight, unsuspected and unknown."
Not only did he uncover such blatantly destructive
experimentation, but the technology he developed,
Dianetics, could *undo* the effects of PDH and free a
person from the grip of mind control.
Years after Mr. Hubbard learned about these government-
sponsored psychiatric mind control experiments, documents
released under the Freedom of Information Act detailed
the extent to which these techniques were being used.
Over the years, the Church of Scientology has exposed
numerous instances of brain-washing or mind control
practices, such as those involved in so-called
"deprogramming." In this case, individuals are taken
captive and forced to renounce their chosen religious or
political group, generally using some form of coercion,
food or sleep deprivation and sometimes drugs.
Such practices are diametrically opposed to the aims of
Scientology, which are to free man and return to him his
ability to control his own life.
6.15 Does Scientology actively promote for new members?
Yes. Scientologists make the technology broadly available
to others because they want others to receive the same
gains they have experienced. The Church wants more people
to know and apply the works of L. Ron Hubbard and
actively and vigorously promotes this.
6.16 Does one really need Scientology to do well in life?
That is a question you will have to answer for yourself.
A Scientologist's viewpoint is that while some people
might be surviving quite well without Scientology, they
can always do better and expand their potentials even
further. In fact, Scientology was developed to help the
able become more able and one usually finds the people
doing best in life are the first ones to embrace
Scientology.
If you are interested in self-improvement, Scientology
provides a tested route by which you can obtain
tremendous benefits and learn to use your mind, talents
and abilities to the fullest. If you know people who are
doing well but have never heard of Scientology, the
question is: "Could they be doing better?"
6.17 Does one have to believe in Scientology?
No. One is not expected to believe in Scientology. One is
only expected to study and apply the data and see for
himself if it works for him. To quote L. Ron Hubbard,
"Anything that isn't true for you when you study it
carefully isn't true."
6.18 Why do Scientologists sometimes seem so intent on what
they are doing?
If you had a chance to change yourself and civilization
so greatly, you would be interested as well.
6.19 What do the terms 'preclear', 'student' and 'auditor'
mean?
A 'preclear' is someone who is receiving Scientology or
Dianetics auditing on his way to becoming Clear. Through
auditing he is finding out more about himself and life.
A 'student' is one who reads in detail in order to learn
and then apply the materials he has studied. One studies
Scientology for itself and uses it exactly as stated,
then forms his own conclusions as to whether or not the
tenets he has assimilated are correct and workable.
An 'auditor' is a Dianetics or Scientology practitioner
trained in the technology of auditing. 'Auditor' means
"one who listens" (from the Latin word 'audire'). An
auditor listens and computes, applying standard
technology to preclears to help them achieve the
abilities as stated on the Classification, Gradation and
Awareness Chart. An auditor's job is to ask the preclear
to look, and get him to do so.
6.20 What is the E-Meter and how does it work?
E-Meter is a shortened term for 'electropsychometer'. It
is a religious artifact used as a spiritual guide in
auditing. It is for use only by a Scientology minister or
a Scientology minister-in-training to help the preclear
locate and confront areas of spiritual upset.
In itself, the E-Meter does nothing. It is an electronic
instrument that measures mental state and change of state
in individuals and assists the precision and speed of
auditing. The E-Meter is not intended or effective for
the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease.
The book _Understanding the E-Meter_ offers a simple
explanation of how the E-Meter works and what it actually
measures. In order to understand what the E-Meter does,
it is necessary to understand some basic Scientology
concepts.
There are three basic parts of man -- mind, body and
thetan. The thetan is an immortal spiritual being -- the
individual himself. He (the thetan) inhabits a body,
which is a carbon-oxygen machine. He has a mind, which is
a collection of mental image pictures he has created.
These pictures have weight and mass and can impinge on
the person when he is emotionally upset.
This is what makes the E-Meter read -- the impingement of
such pictures against the body.
The E-Meter puts a very small electrical current
(approximately one and a half volts) through the body.
This is about the same amount of current as in the
average battery-powered wristwatch.
When a person thinks a thought, looks at a picture, re-
experiences an incident or when he shifts some part of
the pictures in his mind, he is moving and changing
actual mental mass and energy. These changes in the
person's mind affect the tiny flow of electrical energy
generated by the E-Meter, which causes the needle on its
dial to move.
The E-Meter thus measures changes that are caused by the
spiritual being in his own mind (i.e., the movement of
mental masses around him) and in this capacity, it is a
religious artifact.
The E-Meter is used to help the individual who is being
audited uncover truth. By locating areas of mental or
spiritual trauma, the E-Meter helps both the auditor and
the preclear locate exactly what to address in auditing.
7. THE ORGANIZATIONS OF SCIENTOLOGY
7.1 Scientology is a philosophy. Why does it need to be
organized?
Scientology is an *applied* religious philosophy.
Therefore organization is needed to make the technology
available and teach people to apply it.
7.2 How many people work in a Scientology church?
The number of staff varies from church to church. Small
churches may have 20 and large ones over 500.
7.3 How is Scientology organized?
There is a "mother church" which is the Church of
Scientology International. It is headquartered in Los
Angeles. It is responsible for the ecclesiastical
supervision of the rest of the Scientology churches
around the world, which are organized in a hierarchical
structure not dissimilar to that of the Catholic Church.
(For more information about the structure of the Church,
see Part 5 [of _What is Scientology?_].)
7.4 Where are Scientology churches located?
Scientology churches and missions exist all over the
world. There are a great many churches and far more
missions in various countries.
7.5 What does a Scientology church or mission actually do?
The main activities of Scientology churches and missions
are training Scientology ministers and providing
auditing. The church also conducts Sunday services,
weddings, funerals and christenings and delivers other
chaplain services. The church helps the individual become
more able to help himself and to help others.This is done
by training and auditing.
7.6 What is the Office of Special Affairs?
The Office of Special Affairs (OSA) deals with legal
affairs for the Church. It also publishes the facts about
the social betterment works of Scientology, informing the
government, the media, other religions and other groups
with interests similar to those of the Church. OSA also
oversees the social reform programs of the Church, among
which are those that expose and effectively handle
violations of individual and human rights.
7.7 What is the Flag Service Organization?
The Flag Service Organization (FSO), often referred to as
"Flag," is located in Clearwater, Florida [USA]. It
delivers advanced spiritual training and auditing. It
retains its name from the days when it used to operate
from the flagship 'Apollo', ("Flag" in nautical terms
means "the flagship" or the vessel which gives orders to
others.)
7.8 What is the Flag Ship Service Organization?
The Flag Ship Service Organization is located aboard the
450-foot ship called the 'Freewinds', and is an advanced
religious retreat that delivers the level of auditing
called New OT VIII and specialized training to
Scientologists.
7.9 What is the Sea Organization?
The Sea Organization (commonly referred to as the Sea
Org) is a confraternal organization existing within the
formalized structure of the Church. It is composed of the
most dedicated Scientology staff who have decided to
devote their lives to the delivery and expansion of
Scientology.
The Sea Organization has no separate corporate structure
or identity and its members work for various different
churches of Scientology and are subject, as are all other
employees of that church, to the orders and directions of
the board of directors.
The Sea Org was established in 1967 and once operated
from a number of ships. It was set up to help L. Ron
Hubbard with research of earlier civilizations and to
carry out supervision of Church organizations around the
world to keep Scientology expanding. It is also entrusted
to deliver the advanced services of Scientology.
The Sea Organization retains its name in celebration of
the fact that the Founder's life was majorly connected
with the sea. It exists to help keep Scientology working.
7.10 Is it true that people in the Sea Org sign a billion-year
contract?
Yes, they do. It is a symbolic document which, similar to
vows of dedication in other faiths and orders, serves to
signify an individual's eternal commitment to the goals,
purposes and principles of the Scientology religion. Sea
Org members have dedicated their lives to working toward
these ends and toward a world without war, drugs, crime
and illiteracy.
7.11 Why does Scientology have ministers? Are all
Scientologists ministers?
The Church of Scientology has ministers to deliver
Scientology religious services to church parishioners.
Only those who specifically enroll in and graduate from
the Scientology Minister's Course and its prerequisites,
and fulfill the requirements for ordination are
Scientology ministers. All Scientology auditors are
required to become ordained ministers; however, they are
allowed to audit as ministerial students while fulfilling
their ordination requirements.
7.12 What are field staff members?
Field staff members are individual Scientologists who
disseminate Scientology, provide books to interested
friends, family members and associates and introduce (or
select) people to the Church. They are appointed by their
nearest Scientology organization. Because they have had
gains from Dianetics and Scientology themselves, they
naturally want to share it with others.
7.13 Why is everything copyrighted and trademarked in
Scientology?
Scientology and Dianetics are technologies that work if
applied exactly. If they are altered, the results will
not be uniform.
For this reason, the technology is copyrighted and the
words and symbols which represent the technology are
trademarked. This way, nobody can misrepresent something
as standard Scientology or Dianetics that really isn't.
In fact many persons have tried to rip off and profit
from the technologies of Dianetics and Scientology. The
subjects were developed for spiritual salvation, not for
anyone's personal enrichment. Through ownership of the
trademarks and copyrights, such ill-intentioned actions
are prevented by the Church.
[7.14 Does the IRS recognize Church organizations as non-profit
charitable organizations?]
[Yes, in the Fall of 1993, upon finishing an extensive in-
vestigation of the Church's organizations and their fi-
nances, the IRS ruled that the Church of Scientology and
its organizations were non-profit charitable organizations
and therefore eligible for tax exempt status in the United
States.]
8. CHURCH FUNDING
8.1 Why do Scientologists make donations?
Some churches have a system of tithes, others require
their members to pay for pew rentals, religious
ceremonies and services. In the Church of Scientology,
parishioners make donations for auditing or training they
wish to take. These contributions by Scientologists are
the primary source of financial support for the Church
and fund all the community programs and social betterment
activities of Scientology. Scientologists are not
required to tithe or make other donations.
Ideally, Dianetics and Scientology services would be
free, and all Scientologists wish they were. But those
are not the realities of life. When one considers the
cost of delivering even one hour of auditing, requiring
extensively trained specialists, and the overhead costs
of maintaining church premises, the necessity of
donations becomes clear.
The donation system in Scientology is the most equitable
as those who use the facilities of the Church are the
ones who most directly contribute to its upkeep and
continued existence. Naturally, no donation is expected
from those not receiving auditing or training. And church
doors are always open to those who wish to learn more
about the philosophy of Scientology, be they parishioners
or not. There are tape plays of L. Ron Hubbard's
lectures, introductory lectures, books available, people
to discuss questions with, and of course the more
traditional church activities -- Sunday service, sermons,
weddings, christenings, funerals -- all of which are
provided without any donation necessary.
Scientology does not have hundreds of years of
accumulated wealth and property like other religions --
it must make its way in the world according to the
economics of today's society.
Scientologists' donations keep the Church alive and
functioning, fund its widespread social reform programs,
make Scientology known to people who may otherwise never
have the opportunity to avail themselves of it, and help
create a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.
8.2 Why does one have to make donations to separate
organizations for their services?
Scientology churches and missions are separate
corporations and have separate financial records. The
donations that go to each church for services delivered
by that church must be separately banked and accurate
records kept in alignment with the accounting procedures
and laws in each country.
8.3 What about those who cannot afford to make donations for
services?
There is a Free Scientology Center in churches of
Scientology where those who cannot afford the donations
can receive free auditing from ministerial students.
Many Scientology services are free and the knowledge is
free to all men. There are also books, books, books and
free public lectures, Sunday services and other religious
services for which there is no cost. Books can be
obtained in the local area either by going to a church of
Scientology, a public bookstore or local library.
But it's interesting that once a person becomes more
causative through the application of Scientology
technology in his life, he does not usually need or want
free services for very long. He becomes capable of
holding a good job and thereby able to exchange for the
services he wants.
Ministers-in-training can receive free auditing from
other students while they are doing their training.
8.4 Is the Church profit-making?
No. Scientology churches are nonprofit organizations, as
the donations all go back into the support and expansion
of the Church.
8.5 How much does it cost to go Clear?
The cost varies from individual to individual depending
on which route to Clear one takes.
One route is to pay for professional auditing and get
audited all the way up to Clear. The preferred route,
however, is to get trained as an auditor and co-audit
with another Scientology student. The co-auditing route
to Clear requires far less donations than professional
auditing plus one helps another to progress. As
professional auditing is much more expensive for the
organization to deliver (requiring several staff to
service one parishioner) the donations are necessarily
higher. Training donation rates are much more economical
and an incentive for persons to train while they co-audit
without cost to the state of Clear.
No matter which route one chooses to achieve the state of
Clear, all who have attained it express the pricelessness
of the increased spiritual freedom they have achieved.
8.6 How well paid are Scientology staff?
The pay varies from church to church and from time to
time. Staff are paid in proportion to the amount of
donations received by their individual organizations.
Thus, staff members are in control of how much they make
by virtue of how well they perform individually on their
own jobs.
In any event, Scientology staff aren't motivated by money
and in no instance anywhere in the church structure is
pay exorbitant. Scientology staff are motivated by a
desire to help, not get rich.
[8.6 Are donations made to the Church of Scientology tax
deductible in the United States?]
[Yes, according to a 1993 decision by the IRS, donations
of any kind made to the Church of Scientology (including
auditing and training donations), are tax deductible in
the United States.]
9. SCIENTOLOGY BOOKS
9.1 What is the best book for a beginning Scientologist to
read?
_Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_ which is
the best-selling self-help book of all time, is the book
recommended for beginners who are interested in the mind
and how it works. This book has been a best-seller for
over forty years.
In 1977, 'Publishers Weekly' called _Dianetics: The
Modern Science of Mental Health_ "perhaps the
best-selling non-Christian book of all time in the West."
In 1988, 'Publishers Weekly' awarded _Dianetics_ its
prestigious "Century Award" for more than 100 weeks on
its best-seller list, officially designating it the No.
1 best-selling self-help book of all time.
If a person is more interested in starting with a broad
summary of L. Ron Hubbard's research and findings about
man as a spiritual being and basic principles of life,
the first recommended book is _Scientology: The
Fundamentals of Thought_. (Chapter 41 [of _What is
Scientology?_] gives a more detailed explanation of the
books available and suggested course of reading.)
9.2 Are the books difficult to understand?
Not at all. The books are quite easy to understand.
Depending on what aspect of Scientology and Dianetics you
are most interested in, any church Bookstore Officer can
recommend the best sequence in which the books should be
read.
9.3 Where can L. Ron Hubbard's books be purchased?
All of his books are available at missions and churches
of Scientology. Many of his books are also available in
popular bookstores and in libraries in cities all over
the world.
9.4 What books should one read to get information about:
9.4.1 Dianetics:
'The Basic Dianetics Picture Book'
_Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_
_The Dynamics of Life_
_Dianetics: The Evolution of a Science_
_Child Dianetics_
9.4.2 Basic Scientology principles:
'The Basic Scientology Picture Book'
_Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought_
_A New Slant on Life_ [Note: Most of the chapters
in this book are available via anonymous FTP
from: ftp.pcnet.com /users/brianw/lrh_essays ]
_Scientology 0-8: The Book of Basics_
9.4.3 Self-help, tests and processes:
_Self Analysis_
9.4.4 Handling the residual effects of drugs and toxins:
'Purification: An Illustrated Answer to Drugs'
_Clear Body, Clear Mind: The Effective Purification
Program_
9.4.5 Basic principles of communication:
_Dianetics 55!_
9.4.6 Predicting human behavior and understanding people:
_Science of Survival_
9.4.7 How to increase success on the job:
_The Problems of Work_
_How to Live Though an Executive_
9.4.8 Basic principles of organization:
_The Organization Executive Course_ volumes 0-7
9.4.9 Basic principles of management:
_Management Series_ volumes 1, 2 and 3
9.4.10 The principles of ethics and how to use them to live
a more productive life:
_Introduction to Scientology Ethics_
9.4.11 Study methods:
_Basic Study Manual_
_Learning How to Learn_
_Study Skills for Life_
_How to Use a Dictionary Picture Book for Children_
9.4.12 Procedures to increase one's spiritual awareness and
abilities:
_The Creation of Human Ability_
_Advanced Procedure and Axioms_
_Scientology 8-8008_
_Scientology 8-80_
9.4.13 Past lives and how they relate to this life:
_Have You Lived Before This Life?_
_A History of Man_
9.4.14 The application of basic Scientology technology to
help others improve their lives:
_The Volunteer Minister's Handbook_
These books were all written by L. Ron Hubbard or
compiled from his works, and are just a few of the dozens
and dozens of Scientology and Dianetics books available
at churches of Scientology.
9.5 How can one get happiness out of a book?
The key to happiness is knowledge. Scientology and
Dianetics books contain knowledge one can actually apply
in life. Being able to accomplish these improvements
definitely makes people happier.
[Note: Most of the chapters of _What is Scientology?_ are
available via anonymous FTP from FTP.PCNET.COM /users/brianw/wis ]
10. DIANETICS
10.1 What is Dianetics?
L. Ron Hubbard discovered the single source of stress,
worry, self-doubt and psychosomatic illness -- the
reactive mind. In his book _Dianetics: The Modern Science
of Mental Health_ he described the reactive mind in
detail and laid out a simple, practical, easily taught
technology to overcome it and reach the state of Clear.
Dianetics (which means "through soul") is that
technology.
10.2 What is the mind? Where is the mind?
The mind is basically a communication and control system
between the thetan -- the spiritual being that is the
person himself -- and his environment. It is composed of
mental image pictures which are recordings of past
experiences.
The individual uses his mind to pose and resolve problems
related to survival and to direct his efforts according
to these solutions.
10.3 What is the difference between the analytical mind and the
reactive mind?
The analytical mind is the conscious, aware mind which
thinks, observes data, remembers it and resolves
problems. The reactive mind is the portion of a person's
mind which works on a totally stimulus-response basis,
which is not under his volitional control, and which
exerts force and the power of command over his awareness,
purposes, thoughts, body and actions.
10.4 What is the difference between Scientology and Dianetics?
Dianetics is a technology which uncovers the source of
unwanted sensations and emotions, accidents, injuries and
psychosomatic illnesses, and which sets forth effective
handlings for these conditions.
'Dianetics' comes from the Greek 'dia' meaning "through"
and 'nous', "soul." It is further defined as "what
the soul is doing to the body."
'Scientology' is the study and handling of the spirit in
relationship to itself, universes and other life. It is
used to increase spiritual freedom, intelligence and
ability and to enable a person to realize his own
immortality.
Dianetics and Scientology are *separate* subjects, but
the delivery of each has in common certain tools like the
E-Meter and the basic rules of auditing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of "A SCIENTOLOGY CATECHISM"
[Part 2 of 3]
Part Nine of _What is Scientology?_
Copyright (c) 1992 Church of Scientology International, All Rights Reserved
Grateful acknowledgement is made to the L. Ron Hubbard Library for
permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of
L. Ron Hubbard.
"Dianetics," "E-Meter," "Flag," "Freewinds," "Hubbard," "OEC,"
"OT," "Purification Rundown," "Scientology," and "The Bridge" are
trademarks and service marks owned by the Religious Technology
Center and are used with its permission. "Scientologist" is a
collective membership mark designating members of the affiliated
churches and missions of Scientology.
============================================================================
For more information on Scientology, FTP to FTP.PCNET.COM /users/brianw
or write to: scninfo@pcnet.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
User Contributions: |
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: