Scientology (doctrine)

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Revision as of 21:25, 10 December 2007 by imported>Richard Jensen (revise in accord with standard history of religion practice)
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Article removed temporarily pending radical revision. See Talk:Scientology (doctrine).


Scientology is a religion invented in the late 20th century by American L. Ron Hubbard. He founded the Church of Scientology to promulgate his doctrines, many of which are very tightly held by church officials. Scientology is not closely related to any mainstream religion.

Hubbard invented the word using “scio” (knowledge), and the Greek λόγος “logos” (word), “the study of knowledge”. He claimed it was a system of belief that provides knowledge of life and clarity of mind through training in, and counseling using, the principles of the subject. Hubbard said Scientology enables individuals to know how to find the answers to whatever questions or problems they may face.

Scientologists claim their doctrines are derived from a very large secret corpus, in excess of forty millions words, and practical applications derived therefrom. These are intended to guide individuals in a heuristic journey of increasing insights into the truth concerning the actual condition of mankind and its true potential, and to provide the skills to gradually bring about the latter. Scientologists see the religion as a way for individuals to increase understandings, abilities, and freedoms, and bring about predictable, subjective improvements in their life that increase their value to society. Critics call Scientology a cult operated for the financial benefit of church leaders, who charge large sums for the secret training programs.