# What are the core beliefs and practices of Scientology?

Paige Thornton · August 4, 2026

> Scientology was founded in the early 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer, who developed the system of beliefs and practices primarily...

Scientology was founded in the early 1950s by L.

Ron Hubbard, a science fiction writer, who developed the system of beliefs and practices primarily through his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health."

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The core belief in Scientology is that each person is an immortal spiritual being, referred to as a "thetan," which is distinct from the body and mind, and has lived through multiple past lives.

Scientologists believe that the reactive mind, a part of the mind that records painful experiences, causes irrational behavior and emotional distress, which can be addressed through a process called "auditing."

Auditing involves a trained auditor guiding a participant through their memories and experiences to uncover and address traumas, often using a device called an E-meter, which measures electrical resistance in the skin, thought to reflect a person's emotional state.

Scientology teaches that spiritual enlightenment and personal improvement come from understanding the self and one's relationship to the universe, which is achieved through a series of courses and counseling sessions.

The Church of Scientology has a hierarchical structure, with various organizations, including the Sea Organization (Sea Org), which is a religious order within Scientology that requires members to sign a billion-year contract to serve the church.

L.

Ron Hubbard authored more than 500 works, including books, lectures, and films, which form the basis of Scientology teachings and are considered scripture by adherents.

Scientology's belief system includes the notion that thetans have lived in other civilizations, including extraterrestrial cultures, prior to their current existence on Earth, which is not widely known outside the church.

The practice of "disconnection" is controversial; it involves severing ties with friends or family members who are critical of Scientology, which critics argue can lead to isolation and emotional distress for those affected.

Scientology has been classified by some as a religion, while others label it a cult or commercial enterprise, leading to ongoing legal and social disputes over its status and practices.

The church has faced numerous legal challenges and controversies, including accusations of abuse, harassment of former members, and aggressive tactics against critics, raising questions about its practices and transparency.

Training within Scientology progresses through levels known as Operating Thetan (OT) levels, where members gain additional spiritual knowledge and abilities, with each level requiring significant financial investment.

The organization's approach to mental health is controversial, as it rejects traditional psychiatry and psychology, considering them harmful and ineffective, which has drawn criticism from mental health professionals.

Scientology advocates for "freedom of religion" as a fundamental right, often positioning itself as a persecuted minority, arguing that criticism stems from ignorance and bias against alternative belief systems.

The church's extensive use of public relations and media outreach helps shape its public image, employing tactics that include high-profile celebrity endorsements and outreach campaigns to combat negative perceptions.

In Scientology, the concept of "clearing" refers to the state of being free from the influences of the reactive mind, which members strive to achieve through auditing and coursework.

Scientology's teachings include a unique cosmology where the universe is seen as a creation of thetans, who are essentially responsible for their own experiences and realities.

The church has invested heavily in real estate, acquiring properties around the world, which serve as churches, training centers, and community spaces for its members.

Despite its controversial reputation, Scientology has maintained a devoted following, with members often citing personal transformations and improvements in their lives as a direct result of their participation in the church's practices.

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