What the Hell is Scientology?

We all know in addition to being a talented actor, a badass who does all of his own stunts, and a beloved action hero, Tom Cruise might be most well-known for being a devout Scientologist.  By many accounts, this might render him insane, as based on what I’ve heard in the media, Scientology is nuts.

But who am I to judge a person, their set of beliefs or an entire organized religion without doing some digging? So before we start calling Scientologists a bunch of nuts, I went ahead and did some research so you don’t have to.

Brief History

In 1950, the writer L. Ron Hubbard published a book called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. Intended as an aid in man’s quest to “find himself” and lead to the concept of the “thetan” - an immortal being comparable to the soul - his methodology helped inspire Scientology.

So, in 1952 this Hubbard guy launched this whole belief that focuses on the spirit of man rather than the body or mind. Stating that “Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one’s true spiritual nature and one’s relationship to self, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being,” Hubbard’s approach to life’s big questions proved more pragmatic than any of the existing religions. In its opposition of dogmatic religion, Scientology allows individuals discover for themselves that the religion’s principles are true by observations and experiences.

Simplification: Scientology applies scientific methods to religious questions.

Auditing

One of Scientology’s most popular and well-known practices is Auditing. Typically set in a one-on-one session (with the exception of Sunday Service group audits), an auditor asks a set of questions that adhere to a specific code with the goal of helping a person locate areas of distress. Auditing focuses on clearing the reactive mind, which is said to hold memories of pain and trauma, which Scientologists refer to as engrams.

Similar to that of a Roman Catholic confession, the process of auditing is intended to unburden oneself. The main differences being how auditors keep records of all divulged information rather than supplying forgiveness and the usage of a device called an Electropsychometer or E-meter. This (totally creepy) device, referred to as a “religious artifact,” is used to measure extremely low voltages occurring in the psyche. A small electrical current is sent through the body and back to the device in order to locate areas of concern or engrams. The auditor then asks more questions, aimed at eliminating these issues and continues the E-meter process until the concern has diminished. Scientology’s goal is to eventually clear everyone of all of their engrams, making that person an “Operating Thetan” (OT).

After auditing, tests such as aptitude, vision, hearing, colorblindness, balance, the Oxford Capacity Analysis, and more are conducted for validation of improvement. The church’s website claims that auditing can increase all of these functions (eye roll).

Operating Thetans

Having the ability to "control or operate thought, life, matter, energy, space and time" is a fundamental tenet of being an Operating Thetan. There are eight different OT levels, each requiring a significant financial payment and/or cleanse in order to move up. Throughout these levels, Hubbard explains how to reverse the effects of past traumas. A teaching about a Galactic Confederacy ruler Xenu is discussed and how his issue with some volcano led to thetans getting stuck inside human bodies.

There is SO much information about these levels alone, so I’ll just touch on a few. OT III includes a dangerous process which can lead to pneumonia, lack of sleep or even to death if not run correctly (at a cost of $8,910. Double eye roll). OT IIII consists of approximately 12½ to 25 hours of enduring drugs and poison. OT VIIII information is disclosed only at sea on the Scientology cruise ship. Casual.

Shunning

Disconnection is an act where Scientologists cut all ties with family, friends or colleagues that are antagonistic toward Scientology beliefs. It is believed to be important for spiritual growth to rid oneself of all obstacles. The Church refers to it as a “last resort” and is only encouraged when a person’s antagonistic attitude continues after being exposed to “true data.”

In 2012, the Church tried to get the United States to rule disconnection as a protected religious practice but, was thankfully rejected since it would be considered not voluntary. The pressure by the Church to disconnect is still high and has forced many families apart.

The Takeaway

As I said before my research, Scientology is nuts.

Before digging in, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was ready to give Tom Cruise benefit of the doubt until I realized they shoot electric currents through people’s bodies and that fucking EXTRATERRESTRIALS were involved. There are so many more messed up things regarding this insane set of beliefs, but this is all my “thetan” can bear to discuss at the moment.

Sorry, Tom. I just cannot board your ship.

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