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Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!faqserv From: scninfo@pcnet.com (Scientology Information Server) Newsgroups: alt.religion.scientology,alt.answers,news.answers Subject: alt.religion.scientology Users' Catechism [1 of 3] Supersedes: <scientology/users/catechism/part1_793375026@rtfm.mit.edu> Followup-To: alt.religion.scientology Date: 8 Mar 1995 00:21:24 GMT Organization: (none) Lines: 1072 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Expires: 5 Apr 1995 00:18:34 GMT Message-ID: <scientology/users/catechism/part1_794621914@rtfm.mit.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: bloom-picayune.mit.edu Summary: This article is Part 1 of 3 of a Scientology catechism (a brief summary of the principles of a religion, in question-and-answer form) about the religious philosophy known as Scientology. It is also located at ftp.pcnet.com /users/brianw. Keywords: faq scientology dianetics X-Last-Updated: 1995/02/08 Originator: faqserv@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu alt.religion.scientology:37649 alt.answers:7915 news.answers:36517 Archive-name: scientology/users/catechism/part1 Last-modified: 1995/2/7 Version: 1.21 ---------------< FAQ: Scientology Catechism [1 of 3] >---------------------- Taken from the recently published book _What is Scientology?_, the following file answers a wide variety of questions on Scientology, from the philosophy itself, to it's founder, to the Church and its organizations around the world. (The book _What is Scientology?_ is available in ASCII form via anonymous FTP from FTP.PCNET.COM out of the directory /users/brianw/wis. It is also available in paperback in many bookstores and in hardback in many public libraries around the world.) (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].) ========================================================================== "A SCIENTOLOGY CATECHISM" [File 1 of 3] Part Nine of _What is Scientology?_ Copyright (c) 1992, Church of Scientology International -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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? --------- 1. ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS 1.1 What does the word 'Scientology' mean? The word 'Scientology' means "the study of knowledge" or "knowing about knowing" from the Latin word 'scio' which means "know" or "distinguish," and from the Greek word 'logos' which means "study of," "reason itself" or "inward thought." So it means the study of wisdom or knowledge, or "knowing how to know." 'Scientology' is further defined as the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life. The word was coined by L. Ron Hubbard. 1.2 What is Scientology about? Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology provides *exact* principles and practical technology for improving self- confidence, intelligence and ability. Scientology does not require faith or belief -- one can apply the principles and see for oneself if they work and are true. Scientology addresses the spirit -- not simply the body or mind -- and is therefore completely apart from materialistic philosophies which hold that man is a product of his environment, or his genes. Scientology is a religion by its basic tenets, practice, historical background and by the definition of the word 'religion' itself. It is recognized as such by courts in country after country around the world, including the highest courts in the United States, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy and many others. All denominations are welcome in Scientology. Scientology is a *route*, a way, rather than a dissertation or an assertive body of knowledge. Through its drills and studies one may find the truth for oneself. It is the only thing that can show you who *you* really are. The technology is therefore not expounded as something to believe but something to *do*. 1.3 How did Scientology start? L. Ron Hubbard began his studies of the mind in 1923. In 1947 he wrote a manuscript detailing some of his discoveries. It was not published at that time, but circulated among friends, who copied it and passed it on to others. (This manuscript was formally published in 1951 as _Dianetics: The Original Thesis_ and later republished as _The Dynamics of Life_.) As copies of the manuscript circulated, Mr. Hubbard began to receive an increasing flow of letters requesting further information and more applications of his new subject. He soon found himself spending all his time answering letters and decided to write a comprehensive text on the subject. His first published article on the subject, "Terra Incog- nita: The Mind," appeared in the Winter/Spring 1950 issue of "The Explorers Club Journal", followed by the book _Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_, which was published May 1950. It became a nationwide best-seller almost overnight. By late summer, people across the country were not only reading the book, but were also organizing their own groups for the purpose of applying Dianetics techniques. The book has remained a best-seller ever since, again becoming number one on the "New York Times" best- seller list, almost four decades after its initial publi- cation. It continues to appear on best-seller lists around the world. During the course of thousands of hours of Dianetics counseling on thousands of individuals all over the country, incontrovertible evidence was amassed about the fundamentally spiritual nature of man. L. Ron Hubbard himself had discovered early in his research that man was a spiritual being, inhabiting a body and using a mind. These discoveries led him to realize that he had entered the realm of religion. In 1954, the first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles by a group of Scientologists. Within a few years churches had been formed across the country and around the world. In the years that followed, L. Ron Hubbard completed his research into the spiritual nature of man. Today, all of his writings on the subject are available to anyone who wishes to study Scientology. Although Mr. Hubbard departed his body in 1986, he is still with us in spirit and the legacy of his work continues to help people around the world. 1.4 How come it's all based on one man's work? In the early 195Os, L. Ron Hubbard wrote: "Acknowledgment is made to fifty thousand years of thinking men without whose speculations and observations the creation and construction of Dianetics would not have been possible. Credit in particular is due to: "Anaxagoras, Thomas Paine, Aristotle, Thomas Jefferson, Socrates, Rene' Descartes, Plato, James Clerk Maxwell, Euclid, Charcot, Lucretius, Herbert Spencer, Roger Bacon, William James, Francis Bacon, Sigmund Freud, Isaac Newton, van Leeuwenhoek, Cmdr. Joseph Thompson (MC) USN, William A. White, Voltaire, Will Durant, Count Alfred Korzybski, and my instructors in atomic and molecular phenomena, mathe- matics and the humanities at George Washington University and at Princeton." 1.5 Why is Scientology called a religion? 'Religion' is defined as "Any specific system of belief and worship, often involving a code of ethics and a philosophy...." (_Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition_). Religious philosophy implies study of spiritual manifes- tations, research on the nature of the spirit and study of the relationship of the spirit to the body; exercises devoted to the rehabilitation of abilities in a spirit. Scientology is a religion in the most traditional sense. It deals with man as a spirit and is distinguishable from material and nonreligious philosophies which hold man to be a product of material circumstances. Scientology does not demand blind faith, but endeavors to help the individual discover past experiences and shed the trauma and guilt (sin) which encumber him. The Church of Scientology also conducts basic services such as sermons at church meetings, christenings, weddings and funerals. 1.6 Why is Scientology a church? The word 'church' comes from the Greek word 'kurios' meaning 'lord' and the Indo-European base 'kewe', "to be strong." Current meanings of the word include "a congregation," "ecclesiastical power as distinguished from the secular" and "the clerical profession; clergy." The word 'church' is not only used by Christian organizations. There were churches ten thousand years before there were Christians, and Christianity itself was a revolt against the established church. In modern usage, people speak of the Buddhist or Moslem church, referring in general to the whole body of believers in a particular religious teaching. A church is simply a congregation of people who participate in common religious activities; 'church' is also used to refer to the building where members of a religious group gather to practice their religion and attain greater spiritual awareness and well-being. Scientology helps man become more aware of God, more aware of his own spiritual nature and that of those around him. Scientology scriptures recognize that there is an entire dynamic (urge or motivation in life) devoted to the Supreme Being (the eighth dynamic), and another dynamic that deals solely with one's urge toward existence as a spirit (the seventh dynamic). Acknowledgment of these aspects of life is a typical characteristic of religions. Thus, Scientology is a religion and the use of the word 'church' when referring to Scientology is correct. In the 1950s, Scientologists recognized that L. Ron Hubbard's technology and its results dealt directly with the freeing of the human spirit, and that greater spiritual awareness was routinely being achieved. There was no question in their minds that what they were dealing with was a religious practice; thus, in the early 1950s, they voted that a church be formed to better serve the needs of Scientologists. The first church of Scientology was incorporated in 1954. Since that time, dozens of court rulings in many different countries have upheld the fact that Scientology is a religion. 2. WHAT SCIENTOLOGY DOES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL 2.1 How does Scientology work? Scientology philosophy provides answers to many questions about life and death; it encompasses an exact, precisely mapped-out path. Through application of Scientology technology in an auditing session, a person is able to remove barriers and unwanted conditions and so become more himself. As a person progresses, he often reaches out to help others in the ways he has been helped. In developing Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard found the means to develop a technology to free the human spirit and thereby allow man to really know himself. He thoroughly tested all of his procedures and recorded for future use those that proved most workable in bringing about uniformly predictable results. These comprise standard Scientology technology. That which is real to the person himself is all one is asked to accept of Scientology. No beliefs are forced upon him. By training and processing, he finds out for himself the answers he is looking for in life. 2.2 What does Scientology accomplish? Since Scientology is an 'applied religious philosophy', the stress is on application and workability. It addresses the individual and brings about self-improve- ment by increasing a person's awareness and ability to handle life. It differs from other religious philosophies in that it supplies the means through which a person can increase his ability to effectively handle the problems and situations he and others face in life. 2.3 What claims are made for Scientology? Scientology can increase a person's awareness and its application can help one to achieve greater happiness, self-confidence and ability. Man has often been attracted to philosophies that sound plausible but which have no technology that can be applied to bring about desirable changes in one's life. Scientology and Dianetics, on the other hand, supply the tools with which an individual can improve his own life and the lives of those around him. Scientology philosophy is based on the premise that man is basically good and that man can improve conditions in his life. However, Scientology cannot promise to do anything by itself. Only the individual can bring about his own improvement by applying Scientology tenets to himself, his life and others in his environment. 2.4 How do people get into Scientology? Usually by word of mouth, often by reading a book or seeing promotional materials or taking a personality test at a church of Scientology. Sometimes by meeting a Scientologist and seeing that he has "something" -- a positive attitude toward life, certainty, self-confidence and happiness -- which they too would like. Fundamentally, people get into Scientology because they want to improve something in their lives or because they wish to help others improve themselves and thus make a better civilization. 3. SCIENTOLOGY AND OTHER PRACTICES 3.1 Is Scientology like hypnotism, meditation, psychotherapy or other mental therapies? There is no resemblance. In fact, it was as a result of L. Ron Hubbard's investigation of hypnotism and many other mental practices that he saw the need for practical answers to man's problems. In his book, _Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_, he wrote that he had found hypnotism and psychotherapy to be dangerous and impractical. Nearly all other methods of alleged menta] science are based on principles that are quite the opposite of those used in Scientology. They treat man as a "thing" to be conditioned, not as a spiritual being who can find answers to life's problems and who can improve enormously. 3.2 Is Scientology a secret society? Not at all. Scientology churches are open -- you can go in at any time. Scientology literature is freely available to anyone. There is no demand for the individual to withdraw from society; on the contrary, Scientologists become *more* involved in life around them, as they want to take responsibility for improving conditions. 3.3 In what way does Scientology differ from other religions and religious philosophies? Nearly all religious philosophies share a belief in helping man live a better life. In Scientology, this concept is expressed as one of the aims of the Church, which is to achieve a world without insanity, war and crime. While Scientology religious philosophy has much in common with other religions in this regard and in terms of its basic religious concepts and its outreach into the community with social reform programs, the most valuable asset that Scientology has to offer is a wealth of technology which brings about greater spiritual awareness. In Scientology there is no attempt to change a person's beliefs or to persuade him away from any religion to which he already belongs. Scientology helps people to achieve their goals: (1) through reading the materials contained in the books and publications; (2) through the unique counseling technology called auditing; (3) through training courses which utilize L. Ron Hubbard's discoveries in the field of education. Scientology makes it possible for *any* religion to attain its goals and is therefore a religion of religions. 3.4 Does Scientology interfere with other religions? Scientology is all-denominational in that it opens its membership to people of all faiths. Part of the Church's Creed states that "all men have inalienable rights to their own religious practices and their performance." Membership in Scientology does not mean that there is any necessity to leave your current church, synagogue, temple or mosque. 3.5 What does Scientology think of other religions? Scientology respects all religions. Scientology does not conflict with other religions or other religious practices. Quite often Scientology church members rekindle a greater interest than ever in the subject of religions -- including the one of their birth. 3.6 What does Scientology have to say about Christianity? Scientologists hold the Bible as a holy work and have no argument with the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was the Savior of Mankind and the Son of God. We share Christ's goals for man's achievement of wisdom, good health and immortality. Christianity is among the faiths studied by Scientology ministerial students. There are probably many types of redemption. That of Christ was to heaven. 4. SCIENTOLOGY BELIEFS 4.1 Is man a spirit? Yes. Here's a short exercise you can do to find out for yourself. Close your eyes and get a picture of a cat. Done? That which is looking at that cat is you, a spirit. 4.2 How does one know man is a spirit? It is a matter that each individual must examine for himself. Scientologists believe man is more than a mind and body and that it is he, himself, the spirit, who can control his mind and body. Do you think your body would *do* anything by itself if it were not guided by you, the being? 4.3 What is the Scientology concept of God? The Church has no dogma concerning God, and each person's concept is probably different. As a person becomes more aware of himself, others, the environment and God, each person attains his own certainty as to who God is and exactly what God means to him. The author of the universe exists. How God is symbolized or manifested is up to each individual to find for himself. In his book _Science of Survival_, L. Ron Hubbard writes: "No culture in the history of the world, save the thoroughly depraved and expiring ones, has failed to affirm the existence of a Supreme Being. It is an empirical observation that men without a strong and lasting faith in a Supreme Being are less capable, less ethical and less valuable to themselves and society. . . A man without an abiding faith is, by observation alone, more of a thing than a man." 4.4 Can't God be the only one to help man? Scientologists take the maxim quite to heart that God helps those who help themselves. They believe that each person has the answers to the mysteries of life; all he requires is awareness of these answers, and this is what Scientology helps a person achieve. Man is accustomed to asking for pat answers. Scientology requires that the person think for himself and thus help himself become more intelligent, happy and healthy. 4.5 Does Scientology believe in brotherly love? Yes, and perhaps goes a step further. L. Ron Hubbard wrote that "To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe." 4.6 Why do Scientologists want to help people? For several reasons. First, because Scientologists themselves have been helped enormously -- and they want others to share the same successes. Second, Scientologists understand that life is not lived alone. An individual has more than just one dynamic (the urge to survive as self). He wants to help his family, his groups, mankind itself and living things survive better. 4.7 Does Scientology recognize good and evil? Yes, in Scientology, a very clear distinction is made between good and evil. Those actions which enhance survival on the majority of the eight aspects or dynamics of life are good, and those which destroy or deny these aspects of life are evil. Decisions are then based on enhancing the majority of these dynamics of life. 'Good' may be defined as constructive. 'Evil' may be defined as destructive. 4.8 Does Scientology believe man is sinful? It is a basic tenet of Scientology that man is basically good, but that he is aberrated (capable of erring or departing from rational thought or behavior) and therefore commits harmful acts or sins, thus reducing his awareness and potential power. Through Scientology he can confront his actions, erase the ignorance and aberration which surrounds them and know and experience truth again. All religions seek truth. Freedom of the spirit is only to be found on the road to truth. Sin is composed, according to Scientology, of lies and hidden actions and is therefore untruth. 4.9 Will Scientology put one in control of his mind? Yes. As you are a spiritual being, quite separate from your mind and your body, Scientology will help *you* achieve a far better command over your mind, just as it helps you to intelligently control all aspects of your life. 4.10 Is Scientology about the mind? No. Scientology is about the individual himself as separate and distinct from the mind. Dianetics concerns the mind and contains the most advanced technology of the mind man has. 4.11 Does Scientology believe in mind over matter? Scientology addresses you -- not your mind, not your body, but you. Scientologists have found that the spirit is *potentially* superior to material things, and that the spirit, i.e. you, if cleansed of past traumas, transgressions and aberrations, can make miraculous changes in the physical universe that would not otherwise be possible. 4.12 Does Scientology believe one can exist outside of the body? Before entering Scientology many people experience the feeling of looking down on one's body, and by achieving greater spiritual awareness through Scientology, this experience becomes nothing out of the ordinary. Scientology believes that man is not his body, his mind or his brain. He, a spiritual force, energizes the physical body and his life. Scientology proved, for the first time, that man was a spiritual being, not an animal. 4.13 Does Scientology believe in reincarnation or past lives? Reincarnation is a definite system and is not part of Scientology. It is a fact that unless one begins to handle aberrations built up in past lives, he doesn't progress. The definition of the term 'reincarnation' has been altered from its original meaning. The word has come to mean "to be born again in different life forms," whereas its actual definition is "to be born again into the flesh or into another body." Today in Scientology, many people have certainty that they have lived lives prior to their current one. These are referred to as past lives, not as reincarnation. Individuals are free to believe this or not; past lives are not a dogma in Scientology, but generally Scientolo- gists, during their auditing, experience a past life and then *know* for themselves that they have lived before. To believe one had a physical or other existence prior to the identity of the current body is not a new concept -- but it is an exciting one. In Scientology, you are given the tools to handle upsets and aberrations from past lives that adversely affect you in present time, thus freeing you to live a much happier life. 4.14 Does Scientology believe in charity and welfare? It does. However, Scientologists also believe in the principle that exchange is necessary. If a person only receives and never gives, he will not be a happy person and will lose his own self-respect. Therefore, any Scientology-sponsored charity programs also encourage those receiving the charity to make some form of contribution by helping others so that self-respect can be maintained. 4.15 Does Scientology hold any political views? Scientology is nonpolitical. By its Creed, "All men have inalienable rights to conceive, choose, assist or support their own organizations, churches and governments." Scientologists are free to hold their own political views, vote for the candidates of their choice, etc., and are not given direction from the Church as to what position to take on political issues or candidates. The Church believes there should be separation of church and state. 4.16 Can children participate in Scientology? How? Yes, there are many children who participate in Scientology. There are no age restrictions as to who can take Scientology courses or receive auditing. Some churches also deliver special courses and study programs specifically designed for young people. If the person is below the legal age, he must first get written consent from his parents or guardian to take Scientology services. Scientologists generally want their children to have Scientology available to them so are quite agreeable to have their children take Scientology services. 4.17 What does Scientology say about the raising of children? L. Ron Hubbard has written a great deal about raising children. In Scientology, children are recognized as people who should be given all the respect and love granted adults. Scientologists believe children should be encouraged to contribute to family life, not just be "seen and not heard" as the old saying goes. Children are spiritual beings, and as such they need to exchange with those around them in order to thrive and live productive, happy lives. For more information on handling children, the book _Child Dianetics_ and the course "How to Be a Successful Parent" are recommended. Most children raised in good Scientology homes are above average in ability and quickly begin to understand how and why people act as they do. Life thus becomes a lot safer and happier for them. 4.18 Can one make up his own mind about Scientology? One can and indeed one should. Scientology enables you to think for yourself. There is no purpose served in studying Scientology because someone else wants you to. But if you've taken a good look at your life and have decided that you want to make it better, the best thing is to start and find out for yourself what Scientology can do for you. One should read one of the basic books by L. Ron Hubbard, such as _Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_ or _Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought_. What is real in Scientology for you is what you find in it that is real for you. 4.19 What is the Scientology cross? It is an eight-pointed cross representing the eight parts or dynamics of life through which each individual is striving to survive. These parts are: the urge toward existence as self, as an individual; the urge to survive through creativity, including the family unit and the rearing of children; the urge to survive through a group of individuals or as a group; the urge toward survival through all mankind and as all mankind; the urge to survive as life forms and with the help of life forms such as animals, birds, insects, fish and vegetation; the urge to survive of the physical universe, by the physical universe itself and with the help of the physical universe and each one of its component parts; the urge to survive as spiritual beings or the urge for life itself to survive; the urge toward existence as infinity. To be able to live happily with respect to each of these spheres of existence is symbolized by the Scientology cross. As a matter of interest, the cross as a symbol predates Christianity. 4.20 What religious holidays do Scientologists celebrate? Scientologists celebrate several major holidays annually. These include the birthday of L. Ron Hubbard (March 13); the date marking the initial publication of _Dianetics_ (May 9); Auditor's Day, in honor of all auditors (second Sunday in September); and the International Association of Scientologists Anniversary, to mark the founding of this organization which unites, supports and protects the Scientology religion and Scientologists in all parts of the world (October 7). Additionally, each local country or area may observe its own significant dates, such as the founding of the church in its area or the opening of the first Dianetics or Scientology organization in that country. Members of the Church also observe traditional religious holidays such as Christmas. 5. SCIENTOLOGY'S FOUNDER 5.1 Is L. Ron Hubbard still alive? No. L. Ron Hubbard passed away on January 24, 1986, but he remains with us in spirit and through the legacy of his technology and its continual application around the globe. 5.2 Who was L. Ron Hubbard? L. Ron Hubbard is the Founder of Dianetics and Scientology and the author of its scriptures. His research on the mind and life is recorded in the tens of millions of words on the subject of the human spirit which comprise Dianetics and Scientology philosophy. His works cover subjects as diverse as drug rehabilitation, education, marriage and family, success at work, administration, art and many other aspects of life. His best-selling self-help book _Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_ alone has sold millions and millions of copies and has continued to appear on the New York Times and other best-seller lists around the world over four decades after its original publication. Testimony to the applicability and workability of his discoveries are the millions of happy and successful people and the hundreds of Dianetics and Scientology churches, missions and groups internationally. L. Ron Hubbard dedicated his life to helping others. He saw that times needed to change, and he created a workable technology so that needed changes could occur for millions of people. He departed his body on January 24, 1986 leaving with us his life's work which is continued today through the application of his discoveries which help millions around the world. 5.3 What was L. Ron Hubbard's role in the Church? L. Ron Hubbard founded the Scientology philosophy. A group of Scientologists then formed the first Church of Scientology in Los Angeles in 1954. Mr. Hubbard ran the early Dianetics and Scientology organizations until 1966, when he retired from running them on a day-to-day basis and turned this function over to Scientology Church executives. He continued to take an interest in the Church's expansion and advised on administrative matters when specifically asked for advice, but he mainly spent his time researching the upper levels of Scientology and codifying the technology. 5.4 Has L. Ron Hubbard's death affected the Church? L. Ron Hubbard recorded the results of all his research in writing, on film or in taped lectures so that the technology would be preserved. As a result, Scientology has continued to expand, and its future survival is assured. All great religious leaders of the past have died. Their work flourishes. Men die. Wisdom and ideas do not. 5.5 How did L. Ron Hubbard rise above the reactive mind when others didn't? He applied to himself the principles he had found. 5.6 Did L. Ron Hubbard make a lot of money out of Scientology? No. He received no royalties from the fees paid to Scientology organizations for training and processing. In fact, L. Ron Hubbard forgave Scientology churches a thirteen-million-dollar debt in 1966 when he retired as Executive Director. He made his money from the royalties on his books. One book alone, _Dianetics_, has sold *millions* of copies, and his total book sales of both fiction and nonfiction are in excess of one hundred million copies around the world, including more than twenty national best-sellers in the 1980s. In fact, Mr. Hubbard's books still sell by the millions each year and the royalties from the sale of these books and his life's fortune were willed to the Church to help ensure the future application of his technology to the betterment of mankind. 5.7 Was L. Ron Hubbard a millionaire? L. Ron Hubbard was one of those fortunate people who never made problems over money. He inherited some wealth at an early age, but in the early 193Os became one of the highest paid writers in America long before _Dianetics_. He was a millionaire several times over from his book royalties. His public book sales continue to be astronomical. 5.8 How is it that one man could discover so much information? He simply cared enough to want it and had the intelligence and persistence to research and find it. Few men have been trained in all the Eastern philosophies and in the highest levels of Western science as well. Knowing that his research was only as valuable as it provided workable solutions to man's problems, he tested all of his discoveries and found the most effective methods for applying the results of his research. His workable methods enabled him to continue research into higher and higher realms of spiritual awareness. 5.9 Do Scientologists believe that L. Ron Hubbard was Jesus Christ? No. L. Ron Hubbard personally stated he was a man as others are men. He was a much-loved friend and teacher and continues to be respected and loved. 5.10 Did L. Ron Hubbard go Clear? Yes. In order to map the route for others he had to make it himself. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of "A SCIENTOLOGY CATECHISM" [File 1 of 3] Part Nine of _What is Scientology?_ Copyright (c) 1992 Church of Scientology International, All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------