Kwasior
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A brief description of what and how
"The foundations of Scientology were developed in 1951 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard as an alternative to psychology. In 1953, he defined it as an "applied religious philosophy."
Scientologists describe themselves as a non-profit religious organization dedicated to promoting the development of the human spirit and to programs of counseling and rehabilitation. Many members of this organization claim that Hubbard's teachings (referred to in Scientology terminology as "technology") have freed them from addictions, depression, learning problems, mental illnesses, and other troubles.
Scientology's views on psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy are considered pseudoscientific by the scientific community, and some opinions regard it as a destructive cult.
Former members of Scientology accuse the organization of enslavement and of psychological and physical abuse. Members are separated from families who urge those belonging to the Church of Scientology to "open their eyes and understand what is really happening in the church." Some of them recount these events in a documentary film.
The term "Scientology" is a trademark of the Religious Technology Center, which licenses its use and the publication of Hubbard's works, considered controversial by many circles. After Hubbard's death, the leader of Scientologists, holding the title of Chairman of the Board of the Religious Technology Center, became David Miscavige.
Since its inception, Scientology has been the subject of many controversies, attacks, and criticisms. Its opponents include medical communities, the Catholic Church, and the governments of some countries. Critics argue that many of its controversial actions stem directly from Hubbard's teachings.
Beliefs and Practices
Scientology doctrines were established by Hubbard over approximately 33 years, from 1952 until his death in January 1986. Most of the fundamental principles were set in the 1950s and 1960s.
Scientology is an evolved and reconstructed form of Dianetics, an earlier system of self-improvement techniques described by Hubbard in his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health." In the mid-1950s, Hubbard recognized Dianetics as a part of Scientology. The main difference between Dianetics and Scientology is that Dianetics focuses on a person's current life and dealing with physical, psychological, and emotional problems, claiming that most present issues are reactions to past traumas. Scientology, on the other hand, takes a more religious approach, addressing not only overcoming current difficulties but also spiritual problems such as previous lives, as well as ethics and morality, mental health and its dependence on spiritual health, communication, marriage, child-rearing, work problems, studying "technology," and the very nature of life.
Scientologists' beliefs consist of a series of increasingly advanced levels of esoteric knowledge. This is described as progressing up the "Bridge to Total Freedom," or simply "The Bridge."
Key beliefs of Scientologists include assertions that:
- Every person is an immortal spiritual being (referred to as a thetan) who possesses a body and mind;
- Every thetan has lived many lives and will live again after the body's death;
- Every person is inherently good but becomes "contaminated" by moments of suffering;
- What is true is what is true for you; no beliefs are imposed on anyone as "true"; Scientology principles should be tested and determined as true or false by the believers themselves;
- Scientology can help the world on a large scale with problems such as drugs, crime, illiteracy, human rights violations, etc.
Criticism
In many countries, the activities of the Church of Scientology provoke numerous controversies and opposition, with accusations of fraud and crimes. In Australia, the activities of Scientologists were investigated by the Senate and commented on by the Prime Minister. Similar accusations were considered in France and Belgium. In other countries, such as Spain, the USA, and the United Kingdom, it is legally recognized as a church.
In the 2008 film *Religulous*, Bill Maher criticizes Scientology and appears at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, London, in disguise, proclaiming its dogmas.
In France, the Church of Scientology has been recognized as a criminal organization, and its French leader, Alain Rosenberg, was sentenced to two years of suspended imprisonment.
The only thing that should come to your mind now is the question: How could you help others if they might fall into a situation similar to that of many members of this organization (cult)?"
It turns out that the answer to the question is simple, but implementing and executing specific steps to help such a person is very difficult.
- Education: Gather as much information as possible about the cult, its practices, beliefs, and structure. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for the conversation.
- Building Trust: Maintain an open and supportive relationship with the person who is in the cult. Avoid criticizing their choices or the cult itself, as this may cause them to isolate themselves from you.
- Listening and Compassion: Be a good listener. Allow the person to talk about their experiences and feelings without judgment. Show compassion and understanding for their situation.
- **Offering Alternatives**: Present other ways of dealing with their problems than joining the cult.
The topic of this cult is broader, but the conclusion is the same as for others.
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