For years, I have been fascinated in scientology. I never really did any advanced research into them, and just considered them “crazy”. I feel like this is a good opportunity to objectively view the perspective of scientology and dissect its main framework of beliefs. After writing this, I noted that there are a few things that I still consider “crazy” or narrow-minded. But there are other things that I agree with, or that I have thought about before. To me, its quite fascinating how a group with some very common and accepted beliefs can stray very far away from the social norm. Also, as a side note: any religion that requires you to sign a contract5 I consider weird and dangerous.
Communication
In Scientology, communication is critical. Without communication, the transfer of information and ideas would be impossible. The same between most cults, communication of ideas and beliefs is just as important as the cult itself. Specifically, when we look at scientology, it is extremely important that information is exchanged. Scientology does consider itself scientific, even though there is no institutional science involved. According to experts, “Scientologists believe that all religious claims can be verified through experimentation”.1 Most of the “experimentation” methods used by scientologists are not accepted by the scientific community2, for example, the “science” of Dianetics. Regardless of the legitimacy of the “experimentation” of scientologists, without the transfer of information between people, the ideology of scientology would not be as widely known as it is, and perhaps, scientology would never be developed.
Knowledge
Tied into communication, knowledge is critical for scientology. Without the sharing of knowledge between members and the public, the scientology belief would not be widely recognized. Scientology instills the belief that a human is an immortal, who is resident in a physical body.3 This puts scientologists in what I call “elevated being”. Wherein scientologists work to reach their full potential spiritually. The Church of Scientology works to “audit”, teach, and train their peers. Scientology is build entirely around knowledge, even if the information is not factually or scientifically correct. The one odd part is, most of the “knowledge” of scientology is outdated, or just fully incorrect. This is ironic, because in science, theories and tests, and processes are constantly being changed, amended, or replaced, but in Scientology, once the information is recognized, it “must be the truth, and the information can never change”. I find this odd, that Scientology associates itself with science (even if the scientific community foes not associate with scientology) but ignores the most important thing about science: science is always changing and evolving. As we learn more, our theories change, perspectives move, and things change. Scientology does not follow this perspective, once its proven, its proven for good, as I like to put it.
Reality
Reality is defined very cryptically by The Church of Scientology. They define it as “that which appears to be”4 In scientology, reality is different for everyone, because according to scientology, reality is interpreted. Reality is perceived differently by everyone, and people deal with reality differently. The belief that reality is interpreted is extremely metaphysical. Some scientologists believe that you control and manipulate reality, and in turn, should take responsibility for any actions you do. In scientology, you manipulate reality to complete your desired goal, and to manipulate reality, you must take control of reality and use it in your advantage.
Responsibility
Responsibility is another key factor in scientology. You must take responsibility for your reality, if you want to use your reality to attain your goals. Responsibility is something that most religions at least acknowledge, because it is considered important generally to take responsibility for your actions. This key part is not a scientology-specific key, but it is just as important to scientology, so its worth acknowledging.
Control
In scientology, control is very important. Both for the followers, and for the leaders. Scientology preaches that it can help people gain control of both themselves and their sprit. Scientology has many different techniques to help people regain control of themselves including the Introspection Rundown, a controversial auditing process that is designed to create a complete mental breakdown. Other less controversial methods are used some as well of which mimic Christian rituals, and others that try to help the individual gain a better understanding of themselves.
Affinity
Affinity can be defined as “the degree of liking and or affection or lack of it”6 as defined by scientology. Affinity is somewhat straightforward, it is very important that you can love in scientology. Most if not all religions require that you be able to love, and many people would say it is the most important part of humans: the ability to love and forgive.
ARC & KRC Triangles
The ARC & KRC triangles is an iconic symbol of the beliefs of scientology. The KRC triangle contains the beliefs of Knowledge, Responsibility, and Control. The ARC triangle consists of Affinity, Reality, and Communication. Reading this now, you probably realize exactly what I did: I linked the ARC and KRC triangles together. With each of these triangles, you lean on each of the 3 tips equally. If you lose one corner, you don’t have a triangle anymore you have a line. So, in each of these triangles you need each of the 3 “ingredients”. In scientology you need both triangles, so to simplify, you need a ARCKRC Hexagon. Each of the 6 ingredients is required, and although they all don’t connect perfectly to each other, they are still very essential.
References
Lewis, James R. The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements. ISBN 9780195369649. Retrieved 2016-06-10.
Farley, Robert (May 6, 2006). 'Scientology nearly ready to unveil Super Power'. St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2008-12-07.
L. Ron Hubbard (Sep 13 2017) http://www.scientologyhandbook.org/understanding/sh3_2.htm Scientology Handbook. Retireved 2019-02-01
Touretzky, David S. (December 1, 2003). 'A Church's Lethal Contract'. Razor Magazine. Retrieved 2008-12-07.
L. Ron Hubbard (May 24 2016) https://www.scientology.org/what-is-scientology/basic-principles-of-scientology/the-arc-triangle.html Scientology Website. Retrieved 2019-02-01
Neusner, Jacob (2003). World Religions in America. Westminster John Knox Press. pp. 221–236. ISBN 0-664-22475-X.