The Church of Scientology’s Beginnings

Whether you’ve been part of the Church of Scientology for years or are just starting to learn about its history, you can take many important lessons from its past. These lessons can help you in your present and future.

Reincarnation

Historically, there have been many religions that have embraced the belief in reincarnation. The main belief of some of these religions is that the soul is immortal and is reincarnated into a new body after death. Religious groups like the Rosicrucians, the Christian Community, the Christian Spiritualist Movement, and others are among the main proponents of this belief.

Reincarnation is also referred to as transmigration. It is a philosophical belief that the soul will reincarnate into a different body after death.  It is an alternative to the traditional teaching of eternal punishment in hell.

According to Scientology, reincarnation is natural. The soul is said to carry the essence of its previous life and return to a new body, usually unaware of its previous life.

Scientology is a belief system that believes that the true self is the spirit or then. It also believes that the true self exists in many different body forms. The belief system claims that members return to life in a new body form after a twenty-one-year “vacation.”

A reincarnated person usually does not remember their previous life. However, some hypnotherapists have found it helpful to recall past lives during therapy. It is an alternative to the traditional teaching of eternal punishment in hell.

Diabetics

During the 1950s, some people began to seek a new religion. Many were looking for a way to improve their relationships. There was also an interest in self-help.

Scientology is a relatively new religion that began as a mental therapy. It focuses on helping people realize their spiritual essence. It also aims to purge the reactive mind of trauma scars and other negative factors.

L. Ron Hubbard, a naval intelligence officer during World War II, originally developed Scientology. His book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, was published in 1950. The book was an instant success and became a best seller. It climbed the New York Times bestseller list for 26 weeks.

The movement freely assimilated the influence of Eastern and Western religions. It is believed to be one of the fastest-growing religions in the world.

Tax-exempt status

Thousands of Scientologists gathered in Los Angeles Sports Arena to celebrate the IRS granting the Church of Scientology its tax-exempt status in 1993. This victory was not the end of Scientology’s battle with the IRS. The IRS has refused to release information about the terms of the agreement, and a Scientology representative could not comment on the IRS’s investigations.

The Church uses the income to fund operations, including attacks on critics. Church officials have said that the Church’s tax exemption has given them a strong attack line when dealing with critics.

The Church of Scientology is not the only religion that has gained tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. In 1991, David Miscavige, the Church’s chief executive officer, met personally with the Commissioner of the IRS. He called the agreement a “peace treaty,” Scientology has cited the IRS’s decision as a key factor in winning acceptance from other governments.

It also confirmed that it would not make a favorable determination if it violated fundamental public policy or served private interests. Church officials have said that the Church’s tax exemption has given them a strong attack line when dealing with critics.

Criminal actions 

Known as the country’s most litigious cult, Scientology has brought hundreds of lawsuits against its enemies. Scientology also faces charges of extortion and violating the first and fourteenth amendments.

In 1999, France banned Scientology. Hubbard, a former fiction writer, developed pseudo-scientific mental health claims. He also laundered money through Panamanian corporations and hid it in Swiss bank accounts. Scientology also faces charges of extortion and violating the first and fourteenth amendments.

In the early 1970s, the IRS conducted audits of Hubbard. In 1974, Hubbard published a book that detailed his techniques. Hubbard encouraged his followers to view themselves as knowledgeable beyond medical and psychiatric professions. During the mid-1950s, Scientologists began isolating members with mental breakdowns. They thought this would calm them down.

Scientology also faces charges of extortion and violating the first and fourteenth amendments. It has been accused of stealing government documents, coercion, and taking advantage of people with mental problems.