The article defines “cults as non-traditional religious groups that are based on a belief in a diving element within the individual.” Three ideal types of cults are: a mystically-oriented illumination type; an instrumental type, in which inner experience is sought for its effects; and a service type, “which is focused on aiding others.” The article mentions Scientology and places it in the category of the illumination type. It is placed in the sub-group of “New Thought,” which emphasizes health, happiness, and prosperity. It also holds the belief that illnesses can be cured from change of belief or thought –mental healing. This parallels the ideas of dianetics and the theory that the mind is split into an analytical part and a reactive part.
The articles goes onto say that “Hubbard broke away to proclaim Scientology a religion which showed elements of the instrumental and illumination types as well as sectarian characteristics.” The progression from dianetics to Scientology shows a transition of a quasi-cult to a religious group. “Scientology is presented as helping the individual to improve communication and understanding of others, and as aiding his ability to control himself and interact effectively with others.”
However, because of its semi-cult appearance, Scientology has faced opposition from state agencies in Australia, Britain, and the United States. There have been controversies over certain practices and the steep costs of their programs. Still, Scientology is endorsed by many celebrities and they claim to have millions of members worldwide. Scientology has become more than merely a cult and will be around in the years to come.
Kent, Stephen. "The Creation of "Religious" Scientology." Religious Studies and Theology 18.2 (1999): 97-126. Print.
This article talks about the many areas of Scientology. It documents Scientology as a science, a mental health therapy, and a religion. The work examines the birth of the controversial faith and the practices of Scientology, such as Dianetics.
This article is important because it gave us a lot of detailed information on the many aspects of Scientology. A lot of information on the internet is very biased and negative in tone so it is hard to find valid historical explanations on why and how this religion came about. This journal article was very helpful in giving concrete answers to our questions.
McCall, W. Vaughn, "Psychiatry and Psychology in the Writings of L. Ron Hubbard." Journal of Religion and Health 46(3) (2007): 437-47. Print.
This paper gives an overview of scientology and reviews four of the major religious books written by L. Ron Hubbard. McCall concludes that Hubbard borrowed many of Freud’s ideas about the mind. A difference however is that Hubbard extended his theory to include “a spiritual existence that goes beyond the material world.” His goal was to optimize the mind’s potential, giving the individual total freedom. Hubbard viewed psychology as an enemy to this enlightenment that opposed self-realization and personal freedom. “Ultimately Hubbard presents a world view of potential nuclear world cataclysm, fueled by the geopolitical climate and mental health theories that dominated the mid 20th century.”
McCall’s conclusion on Hubbard is that he is a product of his environment. Hubbard’s writings and beliefs were influenced by the times in which he lived. Modern-day views of mental health practices do not consider them to be freedom-inhibiting or brain damaging. Hubbard’s stance in opposition to these practices remained consistent throughout the course of his life.
This article is very interesting because it conducts psychoanalysis on L. Ron. Hubbard (he would be opposed to this). It breaks down his religious texts and makes connections with theories other philosophers have said before him. It shows how Hubbard shares many beliefs with Freud, even though he disliked psychology and how his distrust in mental health was just one of many in the early 20th century. This article may give the most insight into the true origin of Scientology.
Robbins, Thomas. "Combating "Cults" and "Brainwashing" in the United States and
Western Europe: A Comment on Richardson and Introvigne's Report." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion: 169-75. JSTOR. Web. 6 Mar. 2010.
This article talks about the surge of “anti-cultism” in parts of Europe and in the United States. It addresses the idea that many are fearful of the notion of “brainwashing” and of being forced into cults. In general, however, “the ‘brainwashing’ controversy has been characterized by pervasive confusions of fact and interpretation and of process and outcome.” The author concludes by saying that he feels it is important that “some reference should be made to the American constitutional tradition and legal support for the free exercise of religion.”
This article is relevant to our topic, because Scientology is often looked at as a cult. Many people are fearful of its teachings and are skeptical about the testing that is done on the minds of its followers. Although the article does not talk specifically about Scientology, it does relate to our topic.
Ross, Michael W. "Effects of Membership in Scientology on Personality: An Exploratory
Study." Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 27.4 (1988): 630-36. JSTOR.Web. 7 Mar. 2010.
This research article examines the effects of long-term membership in scientology. The researches gave 48 members a series of personality measures, “including the Adjective Check List, the Purpose in Life Test, and the Barron Ego-Strength scale of the MMPI.” The goal of the study was to find differences in the respondent’s situation before and after joining Scientology. The results of the study were that there was a “significant increase in social ease and in effectiveness of goal-directed behavior” after joining Scientology. The findings suggest that there may in fact be “some benefits accrued to long-term members”
This source seems rather credible and relevant to our topic. It addresses issues we ourselves had with Scientology. The media often portrays Scientology as “cult-like” and untrustworthy, however, this article seems to show that those who are members of the religion feel quite content and happy.
Schmaltz, Matthew N. "Scientology and Catholicism Do Mix: A Note on Teaching New Religions in a Catholic Classroom." Teaching Theology & Religion 9 (2006): 29-36. Print.
This article explores teaching new or alternative religions within the context of a Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College. It focuses on a section of a course entitled “Modern Religious Movements” in which students were asked to consider different methodological approaches to the teaching and study of Scientology and the Catholic cult of the Virgin Mary. The article “details how this surprising comparison prompted students to reconsider the category cult which is often given to Scientology and argues that encouraging self-reflexivity in a largely Catholic classroom can become a crucial means for engaging a broader discussion of new religions, cult discourse, and the academic study of religion itself.”
This is an interesting article because Santa Clara University, or at least this “Ways of Understanding Religion” class seems to be doing the same thing that this article demonstrated. By forcing students to explore different faiths and ideas, schools are allowing for a more accepting and enlightened student populace.
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