Scientology: The Keystone to Life

The word Scientology literally means "the study of truth." "Scio" comes from the Latin meaning "knowing in the fullest sense of the word" and "logos" coming from the Greek meaning "study of." Scientology states that man is an immortal, spiritual being with infinite potential and that his experiences continue well beyond this lifetime. It also teaches man to become more effective in the lifetime that they are experiencing. According to the religion of Scientology man can accomplish his goals, attain an eternal happiness, and also achieve higher states of awareness and ability. Through practicing the principles of Scientology, people all over the world are realizing true spiritual freedom. Scientology is also often referred to as The Church of Scientology, which is the largest institution that promotes the practice of its principles.

What is Dianetics? The word Dianetics comes from the Greek "dia" meaning "through" and "nous" meaning "soul." Science fiction author, L. Ron Hubbard in 1952, created the techniques of Dianetics. He created the principles as a self-help philosophy and later described it as a religion that we now know as Scientology.

Dianetics provides us with answers to the fundamental questions of life. It is said that the methods used to find these answers increase intelligence, sanity, confidence, and a sense of well-being. It helps one to liberate themselves of unwanted emotions and sensations that are unpleasant. The principles of Dianetics are simple and can easily be learned and practiced by anyone. Dianetics involves the part of the mind that functions below the conscious level. It is believed that there is a hidden influence that causes certain reactions that are irrational. The principles of Dianetics are applied to resolve these conflicts.

Some of the central doctrines of Scientology include:

-Every person is an immortal spiritual being who has a mind and a body. This spiritual being is known as a thetan.

-Every person is good but may become deviant in response to moments of unconscious pain in his or her life.

-Truth is defined as what you have observed for yourself. No one belief is forced on anyone as being "true." Therefore, all beliefs of Scientology are tested by its practitioners and seen to either be true or not by each individual.

-Thetans have lived through many past lives and will continue to "come back" and live beyond the death of the physical body.

-The practices of psychiatry and psychology are seen as abusive and evil practices.

The practice of "silent birth" in Scientology has been a controversial issue. Hubbard stated that the delivery room should be as quiet as possible during the birth of a child. This stemmed from the belief that birth was a trauma and that any outside influence could induce unconscious, painful memories into the baby. Hubbard especially believed that words in particular be avoided because one might re-associate them later in life with their earlier traumatic experience of birth. He also wrote that a mother should use "as little anesthetic as possible" and that a child should not be bathed after their birth.

The Church of Scientology includes the social ceremonies that are a part of most other religions, including the ceremonies for birth, death, and marriage. An ordained Scientology minister carries out these ceremonies in front of a congregation.

Some famous Scientologists include Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla Presley, John Travolta, and Kelly Preston.