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Scientology, which means “knowing how
to know,” is a religion based on the works of L. Ron
Hubbard (1911-1986).
Scientology addresses people as spiritual
beings and gives people tools they can apply to their lives
to improve conditions. Among these are the techniques for
alleviating spiritual trauma contained in the book Dianetics,
by L. Ron Hubbard.
Scientologists believe that the “reactive
mind” (that portion of the mind that works on a totally
stimulus-response basis, not under the volitional control
of the individual) exerts force and the power of command over
one’s awareness, purposes, thoughts, body and action.
Through spiritual counselling called “auditing,”
Scientologists reduce and ultimately erase the power of the
reactive mind. The reactive mind is of no benefit to the individual
and is a source of irrationality, fears and nightmares. Its
eradication achieves the State of Clear and brings
to view the individual, himself, and is a landmark step in
the full discovery of one’s true nature, ultimately
achieving full spiritual awareness and freedom.
The first Scientology church was established
in Los Angeles in 1954 and today, there are more than 6,000
Scientology churches, missions and groups in 159 countries
around the world.
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The Church of Scientology and its members
are committed to social betterment – in the local neighborhood,
the nation and in the world. The Church is active in these
ways:
- Anti-Drug Campaigns: In support of
its international grassroots fight against drugs, the
Church of Scientology unites concerned community groups
and stages public awareness forums, anti-drug rallies
and educational conferences.
- Reducing Crime: “To the degree
that a human perceives the environment as a threat, he
will not thrive”, writes L. Ron Hubbard. With that
in mind, Scientologists have dedicated themselves to the
reduction of criminality in an effort to further safeguard
their environment. Scientologists believe the ultimate
solution to crime is the genuine reform of individuals
with criminal impulses. This reform has been made possible
with L. Ron Hubbard’s technology.
- Environmental Revitalization: Scientologists
naturally tend to participate in environmental efforts
because of their concern for the well-being of the communities
in which they live and work. Thus, in one city, Scientologists
can be found heading recycling projects, public park cleanups
and the removal of graffiti, while in another they can
be found planting trees or protecting wildlife.
- Ethnic and Cultural Affairs: By the
Creed of the Church, “All men of whatever race,
color or creed are created with equal rights.” In
its efforts to secure freedom and human rights for all
individuals, the Church of Scientology has provided effective
assistance for members of minority groups who have suffered
hardship due to their race or beliefs. To increase understanding
and tolerance between diverse groups, and to ensure justice
for all regardless of color or creed – these are
not merely words to a Scientologist, but deeply felt convictions,
seen as a true cornerstone for survival.
- Supporting Goodwill and Community Efforts:
In cities on every continent, members of the Church donate
thousands of hours in community work and provide assistance
to a wide range of other goodwill and community groups
and activities. Churches of Scientology support and contribute
to a variety of other established community programs such
as the Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, Children’s Hospitals, and local community
groups in cities the world over. This support ranges from
broad participation in drug-free blood drives and “walk-a-thons”
to city-wide collection of holiday toys for needy children
as well as donations of food and clothing for under-privileged
families.
The primary emphasis of Scientology is to
better the individual, bringing the person to greater heights
of spiritual awareness. However, the long-range aim of Scientology
has always been the same: a civilization without war where
people can prosper, have human rights and can rise to greater
heights.
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To locate the nearest Scientology organization, click here
or look in the yellow pages under “churches”.
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