Scientology, established by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, is a religion grounded in the belief that individuals are spiritual beings known as thetans. Hubbard’s initial work, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, published in 1950, laid the groundwork for Scientology, which officially emerged in 1952, with the Church of Scientology being incorporated in 1953. Understanding What Do Scientologists Believe requires delving into their core tenets about humanity’s spiritual nature and journey.
At the heart of what do Scientologists believe is the concept of thetans. Scientologists believe that people are not merely physical bodies, but are instead immortal spiritual beings called thetans. These thetans are considered to be ancient alien entities that have become trapped on Earth, inhabiting human forms and losing awareness of their true spiritual capabilities. A fundamental aspect of what do Scientologists believe is the acceptance of past lives. Each thetan is believed to have lived countless previous lives, not only on Earth but also on other planets throughout the universe. This concept of reincarnation is central to their understanding of existence and the challenges faced in the present life.
Scientology offers a path to spiritual liberation through a process called auditing. What do Scientologists believe about auditing? They view it as a crucial practice involving a series of guided sessions and teachings designed to help individuals overcome the amnesia of their thetan nature. Auditing aims to help Scientologists confront and process painful or traumatic experiences from their past lives and current life. By engaging in auditing, Scientologists believe they can shed the burdens of these experiences, regain clarity, and ultimately free themselves from the limitations of their human form. These auditing sessions and the accompanying study materials are made available to Scientologists in exchange for donations to the Church. The advanced levels of auditing, promising greater spiritual insight and abilities, often require significant financial contributions.
The Church of Scientology's 'Big Blue' building in Los Angeles, reflecting Scientology architecture and presence in Hollywood.
Through dedicated study and progression through all the levels of Scientology, Scientologists aspire to fully reclaim their thetan state. What ultimate goals do Scientologists believe are attainable? They believe that by advancing through Scientology, individuals can move closer to a state of spiritual enlightenment, sometimes referred to as reaching a closer connection with God or the Supreme Being. Furthermore, Scientologists believe in unlocking latent abilities inherent to thetans, such as the power to control life, matter, energy, space, and time. These abilities are considered to be suppressed by being trapped in a human body and can be reactivated through the teachings and practices of Scientology.
While the Church of Scientology has achieved legal recognition as a religion in several countries, it remains a subject of considerable controversy. Despite the controversies, understanding what do Scientologists believe provides insight into the core tenets of this contemporary religious movement and its unique perspective on spirituality and the human condition.
