SCIENTOLOGY RELIGION | MAY 10, 2017

Know What You’re Objecting To

It’s fine if you object, but at least know what it is you’re objecting to.

As a Scientologist of 36 years, I’ve read and heard things from others about my religion that left me scratching my head in wonder. I am referring to some of the weird ideas people get. These spring from all manner of sources: the “news” media for example. Every time I watch the news I see some story I find incorrect, inaccurate, overblown, or perhaps even full of lies. Emphasis alone can take a story that at its core is benign and turn it into an account of the worst crime known to modern man.

The Basics Books and Lectures of Dianetics and Scientology, representing the chronological sequence of L. Ron Hubbard’s research into the mind, spirit and life, are studied by Scientologists in their churches.

Some of what I have heard or been told about Scientology can be downright laughable. As a contractor, I’ve had the opportunity to work on the renovations of a Scientology Church. On these job sites there are many Scientologists and non-Scientologists working side by side, and, keep in mind, everyone there draws a paycheck from the Church, so owes it some appreciation or at least respect. But I overheard this workman snidely saying, “Why are there changing tables in the bathroom when Scientologists don’t even have children?”

I told him that he was wrong—that I was a Scientologist and the father of two boys. He gave me a befuddled look, but otherwise had no response. I’m not sure whether his reaction was one of doubt about this new fact I had given him or shock on being confronted about his nasty crack or even the realization that this ordinary construction worker was, in fact, a Scientologist. Of course, his statement was ludicrous. I can’t even conceive of a religion that wouldn’t support raising children—if for no other reason than: how would it survive?

Inaccurate reporting, false reporting, misinformation, and misunderstood information lead to all manner of funny, false or even harmful ideas. False ideas get reported as fact and forwarded to and through the general public that just doesn’t know any better. I could offer dozens of examples—I’ve heard some absurd stuff—but you get the idea.

History is riddled with examples of one group wreaking destruction on another with no understanding of what that so-called “evil” enemy is actually all about.

This could, in part, be a built-in aspect of man’s nature. When we have no knowledge of a subject, it can be easy to accept what we hear and move on. In other instances, malicious or bizarre stories are created by individuals who, for whatever twisted reason, wish to bring a halt to anything which might make people happier and more able—that impulse springing from the misery and fear in their own heart. And of course this phenomenon extends far beyond Scientology; if you look you will see misrepresentations of all manner of things every day. I believe this to be at the root of disagreements between various religions and even political parties in any form of government. History is riddled with examples of one group wreaking destruction on another with no understanding of what that so-called “evil” enemy is actually all about.

So, before arriving at an opinion on anything, I recommend finding out about it first. With Scientology, that couldn’t be easier. There are many excellent books and DVDs that explain Scientology principles. There are websites: Dianetics.org and Scientology.org for starters. The latter actually offers free courses on Scientology basics right online.

Do any research you like, but just because someone said something, doesn’t make it true. One of the most fundamental principles of the Scientology religion can be applied to any aspect of life—be it religion, politics, interpersonal relationships, the local ball club or whatever—and that is: “What is true for you is what you have observed yourself.”

KEYWORDS

AUTHOR

Paul Smith

Father, Scientologist, Contractor.

╳