Introduction to Scientology - Essay Example

Sociology Scientology: Scientology was founded by the American Ron L. Hubbard in 1952. The meaning of the word Scientology according to Scientologists is “the study of truth”. Scientologists claim that Scientology aims at studying and handling the spirit in regard to itself, and all its experiences of life. Religion is built on the collection of knowledge that has resulted from certain fundamental truths. The more important fundamental truths in Scientology include humans as immortal spiritual beings.

Thus the experience in a human extends beyond a single lifetime. The capabilities of a human have no limits. It may not be immediately understood, but can be realized through individual effort. So humans are capable of solving their own difficulties, attaining their objectives, and achieving lasting happiness. They can even transcend the current state to reach higher states of awareness and ability. (1). Scientology makes use of celebrities to provide information and support their religion.

Actor Tom Cruise of “Mission Impossible” fame is an example of the use of celebrities. He has been actively crusading for Scientology since 2005. He advocates the beliefs of the religion, like speaking out against psychiatry. John Travolta is another film celebrity making the rounds in favor of Scientology. However, there are accusations that many celebrities like John Travolta endorse the religion for financial benefits (2). Many of its critics claim that Scientology is a sham. The main criticisms center on its money-making racket with pressure on its members to contribute sums of money.

Scientology has run into difficulties with law authorities in several countries. There have also been a number of cases filed by its members of mental and physical abuse. The judges in some of these cases have termed the religion as “corrupt, sinister and dangerous”. (3)Facebook: Facebook was founded in 2004 by Mark Zukerberg and Dustin Moskovitz. Facebook is a website that uses the English language for social networking to enable the spread of information. The spread of information among its users is similar to the manner in which it is done in the real world.

There are many networks within Facebook. Each individual network may be an individual school, a company, or a regional location. Each network is independent of the other, and only its members can pass information among themselves. Any individual with an e-mail address can become a member of a network, by getting authenticated into it. The advantage of Facebook is that the amount of information shared can be limited to those with whom the individual wishes to by blocking the others off. In this manner, an individual can remain in contact with friends and loved ones in an environment that gives confidence.

Facebook has been found to be such an effective means of sharing information in a confidential environment that its popularity is growing. Facebook has more than forty-seven thousand regional, work-related, college, and high school networks. These networks cater to more than nineteen million registered users of Facebook. In a short span of time, Facebook has become the sixth most-used website in the United States of America. It also is the most-used photo-sharing website in the United States of America (4).

In my opinion, Facebook is extremely useful. It enables me to share good moments with my friends. It also helps me to keep abreast of college happenings, even though I may not be able to attend all of them. It makes my student life more meaningful and strengthens the bonding with my friends.