Part I: Answers To Common Questions

1.1 What does the word 'Scientology' mean?

The word 'Scientology' means

1.2 What is Scientology about?

Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology provides *exact*...

1.3 How did Scientology start?

L. Ron Hubbard began his studies of the mind in 1923. ...

1.4 How come it's all based on one man's work?

In the early 195Os, L. Ron Hubbard wrote: ...

1.5 Why is Scientology called a religion?

'Religion' is defined as

1.6 Why is Scientology a church?

The word 'church' comes from the Greek word 'kurios'...

Part II: What Scientology Does For The Individual

2.1 How does Scientology work?

Scientology philosophy provides answers to many ...

2.2 What does Scientology accomplish?

Since Scientology is an 'applied religious philosophy',...

2.3 What claims are made for Scientology?

Scientology can increase a person's awareness and ...

2.4 How do people get into Scientology?

Usually by word of mouth, often by reading a book ...

Part III: Scientology And Other Practices

3.1 Is Scientology like hypnotism, meditation, psychotherapy or other mental therapies?

There is no resemblance. In fact, it was as a result ...

3.2 Is Scientology a secret society?

Not at all. Scientology churches are open -- you can ...

3.3 In what way does Scientology differ from other religions and religious philosophies?

Nearly all religious philosophies share a belief ...

3.4 Does Scientology interfere with other religions?

Scientology is all-denominational in that it opens ...

3.5 What does Scientology think of other religions?

Scientology respects all religions. Scientology does ...

3.6 What does Scientology have to say about Christianity?

Scientologists hold the Bible as a holy work and have ...

Part IV: Scientology Beliefs

4.1 Is man a spirit?

Yes. Here's a short exercise you can do to find out ...

4.2 How does one know man is a spirit?

It is a matter that each individual must examine ...

4.3 What is the Scientology concept of God?

The Church has no dogma concerning God, and each person'...

4.4 Can't God be the only one to help man?

Scientologists take the maxim quite to heart that ...

4.5 Does Scientology believe in brotherly love?

Yes, and perhaps goes a step further. L. Ron ...

4.6 Why do Scientologists want to help people?

For several reasons. First, because ...

4.7 Does Scientology recognize good and evil?

Yes, in Scientology, a very clear distinction is ...

4.8 Does Scientology believe man is sinful?

It is a basic tenet of Scientology that man is ...

4.9 Will Scientology put one in control of his mind?

Yes. As you are a spiritual being, quite separate ...

4.10 Is Scientology about the mind?

No. Scientology is about the individual himself ...

4.11 Does Scientology believe in mind over matter?

Scientology addresses you -- not your mind, not ...

4.12 Does Scientology believe one can exist outside of the body?

Before entering Scientology many people experience ...

4.13 Does Scientology believe in reincarnation or past lives?

Reincarnation is a definite system and is not part ...

4.14 Does Scientology believe in charity and welfare?

It does. However, Scientologists also believe in ...

4.15 Does Scientology hold any political views?

Scientology is nonpolitical. By its Creed,

4.16 Can children participate in Scientology? How?

Yes, there are many children who participate ...

4.17 What does Scientology say about the raising of children?

L. Ron Hubbard has written a great deal about ...

4.18 Can one make up his own mind about Scientology?

One can and indeed one should. Scientology enables you ...

4.19 What is the Scientology cross?

It is an eight-pointed cross representing the eight ...

4.20 What religious holidays do Scientologists celebrate?

Scientologists celebrate several major holidays annually....

Part V: Scientology's Founder

5.1 Is L. Ron Hubbard still alive?

No. L. Ron Hubbard passed away on January 24, 1986, ...

5.2 Who was L. Ron Hubbard?

L. Ron Hubbard is the Founder of Dianetics ...

5.3 What was L. Ron Hubbard's role in the Church?

L. Ron Hubbard founded the Scientology philosophy. ...

5.4 Has L. Ron Hubbard's death affected the Church?

L. Ron Hubbard recorded the results of all his ...

5.5 How did L. Ron Hubbard rise above the reactive mind when others didn't?

He applied to himself the principles he had found....

5.6 Did L. Ron Hubbard make a lot of money out of Scientology?

No. He received no royalties from the fees paid ...

5.7 Was L. Ron Hubbard a millionaire?

L. Ron Hubbard was one of those fortunate people ...

5.8 How is it that one man could discover so much information?

He simply cared enough to want it and had ...

5.9 Do Scientologists believe that L. Ron Hubbard was Jesus Christ?

No. L. Ron Hubbard personally stated he was a man ...

5.10 Did L. Ron Hubbard go Clear?

Yes. In order to map the route for others he had to ...

Part VI: Scientology Attitudes And Practices

6.1 How do Scientologists view life?

As a game -- a game in which everyone can win....

6.2 What moral codes do Scientologists live by?

There are four main codes that Scientologists apply ...

6.3 What is Scientology's view on drugs?

Scientologists consider that drugs cause damaging ...

6.4 Why are there so many young people on staff in Scientology?

Many Scientologists are under thirty-five. We find ...

6.5 Do you have any special dietary laws or rules against smoking or drinking in Scientology?

No. There are no dietary laws whatsoever and no ...

6.6 Do Scientologists use medical doctors?

Yes. The Church of Scientology has always had the ...

6.7 In Scientology does one have to sacrifice one's individuality?

No. People are unique, even though they have in ...

6.8 What benefits can one get from Scientology?

In reviewing success stories written by Scientologists,...

6.9 What is Scientology's system of ethics?

L. Ron Hubbard has defined 'ethics' as

6.10 What does "clear the planet" mean?

It means that Scientologists want to clear the planet ...

6.11 What does "suppressive person" mean?

According to L. Ron Hubbard, a suppressive person is

6.12 What is disconnection?

A Scientologist can have trouble making ...

6.13 Is Scientology a cult?

Assuming that modern usage of the word 'cult' implies ...

6.14 Does Scientology engage in brainwashing or mind control?

No. In fact, what we do is exactly the opposite. We ...

6.15 Does Scientology actively promote for new members?

Yes. Scientologists make the technology broadly ...

6.16 Does one really need Scientology to do well in life?

That is a question you will have to answer for yourself....

6.17 Does one have to believe in Scientology?

No. One is not expected to believe in Scientology. One ...

6.18 Why do Scientologists sometimes seem so intent on what they are doing?

If you had a chance to change yourself and ...

6.19 What do the terms 'preclear', 'student' and 'auditor' mean?

A 'preclear' is someone who is receiving Scientology ...

6.20 What is the E-Meter and how does it work?

E-Meter is a shortened term for 'electropsychometer'. ...

Part VII: The Organizations Of Scientology

7.1 Scientology is a philosophy. Why does it need to be organized?

Scientology is an *applied* religious philosophy....

7.2 How many people work in a Scientology church?

The number of staff varies from church to church. ...

7.3 How is Scientology organized?

There is a

7.4 Where are Scientology churches located?

Scientology churches and missions exist all over ...

7.5 What does a Scientology church or mission actually do?

The main activities of Scientology churches and ...

7.6 What is the Office of Special Affairs?

The Office of Special Affairs (OSA) deals with ...

7.7 What is the Flag Service Organization?

The Flag Service Organization (FSO), often referred to ...

7.8 What is the Flag Ship Service Organization?

The Flag Ship Service Organization is located aboard ...

7.9 What is the Sea Organization?

The Sea Organization (commonly referred to as the ...

7.10 Is it true that people in the Sea Org sign a billion-year contract?

Yes, they do. It is a symbolic document which, similar ...

7.11 Why does Scientology have ministers? Are all Scientologists ministers?

The Church of Scientology has ministers to ...

7.12 What are field staff members?

Field staff members are individual Scientologists ...

7.13 Why is everything copyrighted and trademarked in Scientology?

Scientology and Dianetics are technologies that work ...

Part VIII: Church Funding

8.1 Why do Scientologists make donations?

Some churches have a system of tithes, others ...

8.2 Why does one have to make donations to separate organizations for their services?

Scientology churches and missions are ...

8.3 What about those who cannot afford to make donations for services?

There is a Free Scientology Center in churches ...

8.4 Is the Church profit-making?

No. Scientology churches are nonprofit organizations, ...

8.5 How much does it cost to go Clear?

The cost varies from individual to individual ...

8.6 How well paid are Scientology staff?

The pay varies from church to church and from time ...

Part IX: Scientology Books

9.1 What is the best book for a beginning Scientologist to read?

_Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health_ which ...

9.2 Are the books difficult to understand?

Not at all. The books are quite easy to understand....

9.3 Where can L. Ron Hubbard's books be purchased?

All of his books are available at missions and ...

9.4.1 Dianetics:

'The Basic Dianetics Picture Book'...

9.4.2 Basic Scientology principles:

'The Basic Scientology Picture Book'...

9.4.3 Self-help, tests and processes:

_Self ...

9.4.4 Handling the residual effects of drugs and toxins:

'Purification: An Illustrated Answer to Drugs'...

9.4.5 Basic principles of communication:

_Dianetics 55!...

9.4.6 Predicting human behavior and understanding people:

_Science of ...

9.4.7 How to increase success on the job:

_The Problems of ...

9.4.8 Basic principles of organization:

_The Organization Executive Course_ volumes 0-...

9.4.9 Basic principles of management:

_Management Series_ volumes 1, 2 and ...

9.4.10 The principles of ethics and how to use them to live a more productive life:

_Introduction to Scientology ...

9.4.11 Study methods:

_Basic Study ...

9.4.12 Procedures to increase one's spiritual awareness and abilities:

_The Creation of Human ...

9.4.13 Past lives and how they relate to this life:

_Have You Lived Before This Life?...

9.4.14 The application of basic Scientology technology to help others improve their lives:

_The Volunteer Minister's ...

9.5 How can one get happiness out of a book?

The key to happiness is knowledge. Scientology ...

Part X: Dianetics

10.1 What is Dianetics?

L. Ron Hubbard discovered the single source of stress,...

10.2 What is the mind? Where is the mind?

The mind is basically a communication and control ...

10.3 What is the difference between the analytical mind and the reactive mind?

The analytical mind is the conscious, aware mind ...

10.4 What is the difference between Scientology and Dianetics?

Dianetics is a technology which uncovers the source ...

Part XI: Scientology And Dianetics Courses

11.1 What training should a person take first?

The first action a person should take in his ...

11.2 What does one get out of Scientology and Dianetics courses?

Training gives a person the knowledge and tools to ...

11.3 How are Scientology and Dianetics training different from studying philosophy or other religions?

The major difference is that Scientology and ...

11.4 Should I get my auditing before I get trained?

L. Ron Hubbard has written many times about the fact ...

11.5 When can I take Scientology courses?

Most churches of Scientology are open from 9:00 in ...

11.6 How are Scientology courses run?

Scientology training is unique. Each course is done ...

11.7 When do I actually gain experience in auditing others?

Every major training course in Scientology is followed ...

11.8 When can I take the Minister's Course?

This course can be studied by any Scientologist who ...

11.9 How long do courses take?

Each course takes as long as it takes -- since ...

11.10 Are Scientology Course Supervisors university trained?

According to demographic studies, a high proportion ...

Part XII: Scientology And Dianetics Auditing

12.1 What is the difference between the auditing and training routes in Scientology?

The reference that best explains the difference ...

12.2 Do all the people on staff in Scientology receive auditing as well as training?

Yes, auditing and training of staff members is part ...

12.3 Why does one have to wait six weeks for auditing if one has been habitually using drugs?

Research has shown that it takes at least that long ...

12.4 Will antibiotics prevent me from getting auditing?

No. Antibiotics work differently than drugs. If ...

12.5 Is it okay to take any sort of drugs when you are in Scientology?

Except for antibiotics or prescribed medical drugs by ...

12.6 How many hours of auditing a day do people receive?

This depends upon one's particular auditing program. ...

12.7 Has the technology of auditing changed since the early days of Scientology?

The basics of auditing have not changed, but there ...

12.8 What will I get out of auditing?

Scientology auditing is delivered in a specific ...

12.9 Does auditing really work in all cases?

Dianetics and Scientology technologies are very exact ...

12.10 What auditing handles physical pain or discomfort?

Dianetics auditing is used to help handle physical ...

12.11 What can auditing cure?

Scientology is not in the business of curing things ...

12.12 Can one go exterior (be separate from the body) in auditing?

Exteriorization is the state of the thetan, ...

Part XIII: The State Of Clear

13.1 What is Clear?

'Clear' is the name of a specific state achieved ...

13.2 How does one go Clear?

Simply by taking one's first step in Scientology, or ...

13.3 How long does it take to go Clear?

It varies from person to person, but it takes an ...

13.4 If one goes Clear, will he lose his emotions?

No, on the contrary, a Clear is able to use ...

13.5 What can you do when you are Clear?

A Clear is able to deal causatively with life rather ...

13.6 Are Clears perfect?

No, they are not perfect. Being a Clear does not mean ...

13.7 Do Clears eat food and sleep?

Most definitely....

13.8 Do Clears get colds and get sick?

A Clear can still get sick, but this occurs much ...

13.9 If Clears no longer have a reactive mind, why do they still need to get auditing?

There are many more states of awareness and ability ...

Part XIV: The State Of Operating Thetan

14.1 What is meant by Operating Thetan (OT)?

Operating Thetan is a state of beingness above Clear....

14.2 How would you describe the state of Operating Thetan?

OT (Operating Thetan) is a state of spiritual ...

14.3 Why are the OT materials confidential?

Because understanding of and ability to apply the ...

Part XV: A Scientology Career

15.1 Can one audit as a career?

Yes. There are many Scientology ministers who audit ...

15.2 Of what value would it be to have my child trained as an auditor?

First of all, it would provide a young person ...

15.3 Can one make Scientology a career in some other way than by being a minister?

Yes, there are thousands of professional ...

Part XVI: Scientology In Society

16.1 I've heard that Scientologists are doing good things for society? What are some specific examples?

These activities would fill a book in themselves, and ...

16.2 Is Scientology active in Black communities and countries?

Definitely. By the Creed of the Church,

16.3 Do doctors, schools, social workers, businessmen and other professional people use Scientology?

Yes, they do. There are members of all of ...

16.4 Why has Scientology sometimes been considered controversial?

Like all new ideas, Scientology has come under attack ...

16.5 Why has Scientology been to court a lot of times?

The Church has gone to court in many countries to ...

16.6 Are there any laws against the practice of Scientology? Has it been banned?

Of course not. ...

16.7 How does Scientology view deprogrammers and groups that attempt to force people to denounce their chosen religion?

These so-called

16.8 Why is Scientology opposed to psychiatry?

As the stepchildren of the German dictator Bismarck ...

16.9 Why do some people oppose Scientology?

There are certain characteristics and mental ...

16.10 Is Scientology trying to rule the world?

No. Scientology's aim, as expressed by L. Ron Hubbard, ...

16.11 Can Scientology do anything to improve the world situation?

Yes, and it does so every single day....