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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 [2 of 3] Supersedes: <scientology/users/catechism/part2_793375026@rtfm.mit.edu> Followup-To: alt.religion.scientology Date: 8 Mar 1995 00:22:17 GMT Organization: (none) Lines: 1278 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Message-ID: <scientology/users/catechism/part2_794621914@rtfm.mit.edu> References: <scientology/users/catechism/part1_794621914@rtfm.mit.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: bloom-picayune.mit.edu Summary: This article is Part 2 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 the FTP site 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:37652 alt.answers:7919 news.answers:36522 Archive-name: scientology/users/catechism/part2 Last-modified: 1995/2/7 Version: 1.31 --------------< 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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------