Scientology is a religion that causes interest, confusion, and controversy. Whether you’ve heard of it through famous people like Tom Cruise or through sensational documentaries, there is no question the subject is something people want to learn more about.
So, what is Scientology really about? Is it a genuine spiritual path or just another cult in disguise? In this post, we’ll break down its core beliefs, explore the most serious allegations, and examine why this religion is so widely criticized — even hated by some.
What Is Scientology?
The faith called Scientology is a modern, 1950s innovation brought forth by ex-sci-fi author L. Ron Hubbard, and an alternative to offer people spiritual clarity and individual freedom. Scientology builds on Hubbard’s book titled Dianetics, which described a process or way to free the mind from a trauma.
As with other faiths, Scientology is arranged and administered by the Church of Scientology, and they maintain very strict control over its teaching(s) and membership.
What Does Scientology Believe In?
At its core, Scientology teaches that human beings are actually immortal spiritual beings (called thetans). The thetan is trapped inside a human body and bears the heavy burden of overwhelming negative experiences from past lives that limit the spiritual potential of the human.
In order to clear away the burden from these experiences of past lives, members participate in the process of auditing, where the negative affect from their experiences are confronted and cleared, with the aid of the E-meter, very specific and essential device the members work with while trying to clear the negative impact from their lives.
What Are the 3 Main Principles of Scientology?
- Humans are spiritual beings (thetans)
- Thetans have lived through countless past lives
- Spiritual freedom can be achieved through auditing and self-discovery
These beliefs form the basis of the Scientological worldview and its practices.
Is Scientology a Cult?
This is a question that comes up again and again: is Scientology a cult?
Many former members and critics say yes. In summary, Board representatives indicated that the church used secrecy, heavy control over followers, and strong-arm tactics to suppress criticism, but the Church of Scientology denies these allegations and states that it is a legitimate religion protected by the law.
Still, some signs of cult-like behavior often mentioned include:
- Isolation of members from family and friends
- Strict internal hierarchy
- Financial pressure to advance spiritually
- Retaliation against former members
Why Is Scientology Hated?
At its core, Scientology teaches that human beings are immortal spiritual beings called thetans, which are trapped in physical bodies. According to Scientology, thetans carry the burden of negative experiences from past lives, which limit their spiritual potential.
To overcome these limitations, Scientologists undergo a process called auditing. During auditing, individuals confront and clear these negative experiences with the help of an E-meter (Electropsychometer), a device used to measure mental states. The goal is to achieve a state of “Clear,” free from past traumas.
Scientology also promotes the idea of operating thetans (OTs)—advanced spiritual beings who have regained their innate abilities through extensive auditing and training.
Key Beliefs of Scientology:
- Thetan (Immortal Spirit): The true self is a thetan, not the physical body. (BBC Religion – Scientology)
- Auditing & E-meter: A counseling process to eliminate past traumas. (Britannica – Scientology)
- Operating Thetan (OT): Higher spiritual levels achieved through advanced Scientology practices. (Pew Research – Scientology Beliefs)
Scientology in the Public Eye
Due to its more visible affiliation with high-profile followers, Tom Cruise among them, it has kept generally in the public eye. Some people even colloquially refer to it as the Tom Cruise religion, a testament to how intertwined his image is with the Scientology brand.
In Australia, for example, the Scientology religion has faced various scrutiny for a number of decades. The law has investigated its status as a religious organization and the public backlash has grown against it, but it remains active there.
Final Thoughts
Whether you see it as a religion or a type of institutionalized control, Scientology remains complicated. From its particular beliefs to the serious claims of cult-like behavior, this religion is nothing but unusual.
With more people speaking out and more documentaries revealing unknown truths, Scientology’s story is still unfolding. For those wondering what is Scientology or what is the belief system of Scientology, it will be interesting to look at both the public teachings and the horror stories claim as truth behind closed doors.
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