{{Page 5}} How Religions Manifest on Your Brain

 What purpose does any religion serve??

{This is from Brainshwashed-Religion of Religions}

Scientology, the self-proclaimed "one and only religion" founded by a literal science fiction writer, has been a contentious subject since its inception in the 20th century. The religion's ability to adapt to modern culture and its shrewd marketing strategies have contributed to its success. However, beneath the surface of self-help and spiritual enlightenment, critics and former members of the church have exposed a web of deception and manipulation.

L. Ron Hubbard, the enigmatic founder of Scientology, crafted a doctrine promising followers a path from the ordinary to the extraordinary, unlocking superhuman abilities within the human mind. Yet, this grandiose promise concealed what appears to be a well-constructed scam disguised as a religion. Critics have labeled Scientology a cult and questioned the legitimacy of its practices, especially considering Hubbard's statement about controlling people through lies.

The image of Hubbard as a flawless and purposeful individual is meticulously curated and promoted by the church. However, a closer look at his early life reveals a different story of failed expeditions, poor academic performance, and a struggling writing career. His near-death experience during a dental visit is cited as the turning point for his distrust of psychiatry, leading to the creation of Dianetics. This manuscript failed to gain traction, but Hubbard later repackaged his ideas to form the foundation of Scientology.

Dianetics, central to Scientology, claims to offer spiritual enlightenment and self-improvement but faces criticism for its origins and lack of scientific evidence. The religion's practice of separating adherents from their money through costly courses and financial demands raises further concerns about its integrity. Despite extensive criticism, Scientology continues to attract new followers and retain devoted adherents, owing to its adaptability and aggressive marketing strategies.

Hubbard's life before Scientology was marked by challenges and controversies, with a lack of success in the Navy during World War II. His association with a rocket propulsion researcher and involvement in an unusual relationship marked the beginning of the complex events leading to the establishment of Scientology.

As Scientology grew in popularity, Hubbard faced legal battles and financial struggles. Despite facing skepticism from the scientific community, Dianetics gained immense popularity among the public, leading to the creation of Scientology as an extension of his ideas. Hubbard's charisma and promotional efforts further fueled the religion's popularity.

Scientology's core beliefs revolve around "auditing", with adherents seeking to reach higher "Operating Thetan" levels to achieve spiritual advancement. The religion's upper levels, shrouded in secrecy, promise godlike abilities and mastery over existence, drawing skepticism from critics and former members.

Scientology's practices, including disconnection and attack the attacker, have been criticized, and several deaths associated with the church have raised concerns about its ethics. The secretive nature of the religion, along with its extravagant claims and questionable practices, continues to fuel the ongoing debate about its true intentions and legitimacy.