Religion Has Played an Important Role in the World - Essay Example

Religion Introduction Religion has played an important role in some countries. They managed to become neutral in political aspects, although thereis some who involved themselves politically causing conflict. Based on Arthur Clark's work A Space Odyssey, the future religions will be banned because they promote divisions and wars, maintain patriarchy, and inhibit scientific progress. A world without religion would be a world without peace. Among the religion that has been gaining popularity is Scientology. The Scientology is a combination of Science and Religion. It was established in 1954, and has gain popularity rapidly and now reaches 5100 churches; missions and related organizations, groups and activities span the globe, ministering to some 8 million people in more than 100 countries in over 30 languages. (Hubbarb, Miscavage, 2006). L. Ron Hubbarb is the founder of Scientology he defines it as"the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life." Base on Hubbarb's book there is no indication that it may cause problem and conflict with other religions. Below are some of it's believes and principles. Scientology is not a religion who asks you to believe on something but what you observed to be true is the truth. Believers discover that Scientology works personally by applying its principles and observing or experiencing results. This paper will show some facts that religion should not be banned no matter what their principles are as long as they not affect any important matter in a person's life. What is Scientology The goal of the Scientology religion as stated in the book written by Hubbarb (2007) is to achieve complete certainty of one's spiritual existence, one's relationship to the Supreme Being, and his role in eternity. Scientologist aims to have "A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where man is free to rise to greater heights." This is why the number of Scientologist increases faster because of its aims. If one religion aims for peace and prosperity how can it promote war and disparity Religions differ only on their patron but they all aim for peace and happiness. Like any religion Scientology has its own "scripture" only in the form of principles written by Hubbarb. Scientology Scripture recognizes that there is an entire dynamic (urge or motivation in life) devoted to the Supreme Being (the eighth dynamic) and another dynamic that deals solely with one's urge toward existence as a spirit (the seventh dynamic). Principles of Scientology Looking at the principles of Scientology we will be able to foresee what will happen if this religion becomes the religion of choice in the future. Below are the principles based on the book written by the founder L.Ron Hubbard. 1. The Bridge to Total Freedom - Scientology practices (called "Technology" or "Tech" in Scientology jargon) are structured in sequential levels, reflecting Hubbard's belief that rehabilitation takes place on a "gradient", that is, easier steps are taken first and only then greater complexities are handled. 2. Dianetics - One principle in scientology is solving problems using your self. In Dianetics there is only one source of all your problems, stress, unhappiness and self-doubt. It's called the reactive mind - the hidden part of your mind that stores all painful experiences and then uses them against you. 3. The ARC and KRC triangles - ARC stands for Affinity (emotional responses), Reality ( an agreement on what is real), Communication. KRC stands for Knowledge, Responsibility, and Control. Scientologists believe that improving one aspect of the triangle increases the level of the other two. ARC and KRC triangles can be found in the Scientology symbol. 4. The Dynamics - Scientology and Dianetics state that the dynamic principle of existence is to survive and that man survives across the "eight dynamics of Self, Family and Sex, Group, Humanity, the Animal and Vegetable Kingdoms, the Physical Universe, Spirits and God or Infinity". The "dynamics," represented by the Scientology cross, must be considered equally 5. Morals and Ethics - Ethics may be defined as the actions an individual takes on himself to ensure his continued survival across the dynamics. It is a personal thing. When one is ethical, it is something he does himself by his own choice." 6. Past lives, Secret Levels and Extraterrestrial beings - According to Hubbard, some past traumas may have been deliberately inflicted in the form of "implants" used by extraterrestrial dictatorships such as Helatrobus to brainwash and control the population Controversies on Scientology Scientology has experienced a lot of controversies, some members feel that they were set up and some are confused as to what to believe. One of the controversies involves their trademark. In 1995 they are being said to abuse the trademark and copyright laws. The scientologist file a complaint against the Washington Post that they are being harasses to get the negative side of the religion. However, the court feels that it just the step of scientologist to cover up something. That is why RTC did not favour the request of the scientologist to stop the RTO requested by the post. Operation Snow White has convicted eleven highly placed church executives including the wife of the founder Mary Sue Hubbard. They committed infiltration, wiretapping, and theft of documents in government offices, most notably those of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Operation Freakout - Their campaign of sabotage & violence against Paulette Cooper, the writer who published her research & findings on several cults, including Scientology. Scientology's official plan: to frame Paulette, ruin her career & reputation & get her either incarcerated or locked up in psychiatric confinement. Fair Game - the Scientology policy detailing how the organization may confront & handle critics & perceived enemies. Here is a direct quote: "Enemies may be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." Conclusion Every religion has its own belief, culture and principles. One differs on the way they convince the people to believe on what they believe. Scientology has its own set of principles that has helped a lot of people. The world with scientology would mean people living in technology. Like any other religion scientologist has its controversies some of which are true and others are not. The spiritual side of the religion are not that on focus in scientology. This religion is after how one person combat the causes of his misfortune and wrong doings. Technology as well is important on Scientology. Hubbarb may have discovered this religion on a way that is not his intention but it continuously increasing the believers. If this is the religion of choice in the future the people might be focusing itself and technology. Scientology and the organizations that promote it have remained controversial. Critics and others believe that scientology is a cult and an unscrupulous commercial enterprise. Scientology officials argue that most of the negative press is motivated by interest groups and that most of the controversy is in the past. On my own point of view most if not all of the religious organization has received negative feedbacks and controversies. Every person has its own set of believes and principles. The choice of religion is what you think will help you to become a better person. Reference Hubbard, L. Ron Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health, p. 495, Bridge Publications Inc., 2000 -50th anniversary edition- ISBN 0-88404-416-5 Book: Introduction to Scientology Ethics, 2007 edition, p. 12 http://www.bonafidescientology.org/ Read More