Author: Mohajer Azizi
Scientology; Its Origins and Beliefs (Part Four)
Preface
In the previous part of this research, we examined the general overview of the religion of Scientology. That section discussed the historical development of this ideology by L. Ron Hubbard, how his ideas evolved into an organized movement, and the structure and activities of the Church of Scientology.
In this section, we turn to the core and intellectual foundation of this movement, which is Dianetics. Hubbard refers to Dianetics as the “science of the mind.” This concept is, in fact, the basis and foundation of all the teachings, programs, and methods of Scientology. We will define Dianetics, explain its objectives and practical processes, and discuss concepts such as Engram, Auditing, and the state of Clear.
We will also explore Scientology’s open confrontation with modern psychiatry and psychology — a conflict that Hubbard and his followers have turned into a serious ideological challenge — analyzing this aspect in depth. Finally, in order to provide a balanced perspective grounded in Islamic teachings, we will present Islam’s comprehensive approach to mental well-being and its practical methods in contrast to Scientology’s claims.
What is Dianetics?
The term Dianetics originates from Greek, formed from) dia (meaning “through” and nous meaning “mind” or “spirit.” In Scientology terminology, it means “the science of the human mind.” (1)
Dianetics is a pseudo-scientific theory concerning the human psyche and mind, introduced and authored by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 CE. This book serves as the foundation of the religion of Scientology; all of the movement’s practices and programs stem from the principles laid out within it.
Hubbard describes this book as very simple and easy to understand — even simpler than physics or chemistry. He claims that the concepts and teachings of Dianetics are precise, fixed, and infallible. According to Hubbard, this book uncovers the unknown source of all psychosomatic diseases, which — from the Scientologist’s perspective — are the root cause of immoral or undesirable actions. By manipulating these causes through specific principles, humanity can achieve permanent and irreversible improvement.
He further asserts that this book is not written for a specific group or merely for followers of Scientology, but rather for all humanity. By using the techniques and teachings within, ordinary readers — not only Scientologists — can allegedly free themselves from all psychological and mental problems.
A: The Goal of Dianetics
According to the Scientologists, when a person joins Scientology, through the use of Dianetic psychotherapy he or she is freed from psychological and spiritual pain and distress. According to the claims of Dianetics (the so-called “science of mental health”), most psychological, emotional, and even physical problems are caused by engrams (painful and unpleasant memories recorded in the mind.)
The goal of Dianetics is to cleanse the mind of these engrams through a process called Auditing, until the person reaches a state known as Clear — that is, when one becomes freed from the “reactive mind” and begins to live through the “analytical mind.”
Dianetics divides the mind into two parts:
-
The Analytical Mind — the conscious, rational, healthy, and intelligent decision-making part;
-
The Reactive Mind — the unhealthy, unconscious part, the source of negative emotions and psychological pain.
Thus, the purpose of Dianetic psychotherapy is purification and clarity, enabling all human beings — provided they possess a healthy nervous system — to reach a level of satisfaction and hopefulness. (2)
Dianetics, as the “science of mental health,” is the strongest and most persuasive foundation for Scientology’s propaganda and for attracting followers. Since this movement presents its central mission as the healing of mental and spiritual suffering, it appeals to a humanity tormented by anxiety, depression, and psychological illness.
However, it is certain that this process and the claims of Hubbard cannot truly deliver mankind from lasting pain. It remains merely a hypothesis — and a promotional illusion.
B: Dianetics and Psychiatry
When Dianetics was introduced by Hubbard as an advanced “science of mental and spiritual health” with its own special methods, Hubbard openly rose against psychology and psychiatry, labeling them false and their treatments oppressive. The Church of Scientology, in one of its public reports, claimed that the methods of psychiatrists and psychologists were barbaric and inhumane.
Scientologists condemn the use of electroshock therapy, narcotic drugs, and antidepressant pills as entirely wrong and anti-human. In 1966 CE, because people increasingly turned to psychiatrists and used sedatives and other psychiatric medications, and in order to revive interest in his own ideology, Hubbard fiercely attacked psychology and psychiatry — even calling upon the Church of Scientology to work toward their destruction.
Although this campaign initially drew some attention, it ultimately failed to weaken the field of psychology, for psychiatry and psychology are authentic disciplines that are universally recognized and scientifically established around the world.
Psychiatry, as one of the essential and authentic branches of medical science, focuses on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and behavioral disorders. This field is not an imaginary discipline; rather, it is firmly grounded in scientific evidence, clinical experience, neuroscience, genetics, and psychology. Psychiatry has made significant advancements in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and is considered an integral part of public health — even if sects such as Scientology deny it.
Globally, psychiatric medicine plays a crucial role in addressing mental health crises such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions that affect millions of people around the world. Research indicates that a combination of pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and help prevent suicide, unemployment, and family breakdown.
Nevertheless, like other branches of medicine, psychiatry is not perfect; it continues to evolve and progress daily based on new research and experience. Yet Scientology, by denying mental illness and rejecting evidence-based treatments, not only fails to contribute to mental health but may, in fact, cause people serious and lasting harm. This oppositional stance of Scientology toward psychiatry is seen as one-sided and arrogant — and through such an attitude, Scientology ultimately undermines its own credibility.
However, one truth must be acknowledged: if psychiatry is not harmonized and integrated with the teachings of Islam, it cannot reach its full potential or deliver complete and effective healing.
To be continued…
Previous Part
References:
- Scientology – Dianetics, p. 13.
- , p. 14.
