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Clifford's Geertz's definition of religion is a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long lasting noods and motivations in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic. Does the concept of scientology fit into this definition?
The Beliefs: Scientology has two main beliefs that help followers get back to remembering their true nature. One belief is solely about the follower while the other is about the journey that a follower has to endure. The concept of thetan, which is symbolized with a theta, has to do with the follower. Thetan is a similar concept to the spirit in other beliefs. It says that a thetan is an immortal spiritual being. Scientologists say that the thetan reincarnates and have lived on different planets. After a follower is able to understand this idea of thetan, he/she is able to start his/her journey through the eight dynamics. The eight dynamics included urges towards survival, including existence and sexual activity. This journey allows for the finding of their true nature.
The Symbol: The symbol for the belief of scientology is the letter S with two triangles intertwined into it. It is evident that the S stands for scientology. However, the two triangles are a little harder to decipher. Both triangles represent concept maps, which show the relationship between three different things. The KRC triangle, the top one, represents the connection between knowledge, responsibility, and control. The ARC triangle, the bottom one, represents the connection between affinity, reality, and communication. The KRC triangle represents what Scientologists strive to be while the ARC triangle represents what Scientologists are hindered by.
The Religious Symbol: After the Church of Scientology was established in 1954, another symbol was formed that is used during religious gatherings and events. The middle of the symbol looks a lot like the traditional Christian cross, however it has a different meaning to it. The horizonal bar represents the material universe while the vertical bar represents the spirit. The vertical bar is rising while the horizontal bar is transcending. In other words, the spirit is rising while the material world is transcending. In addition, the eight points on the symbol represent the eight dynamics that Scientologists believe in.
The Headquarters: The headquarters of the Church of Scientology is now located at the Fort Harrison Hotel in Clearwater, Florida. The hotel opened in 1926 and has a lot of history to it, the Rolling Stones wrote their hit Satisfaction there. In 1975, the Church of Scientology bought the hotel under the cover name United Churches of Florida. In the 1980s, the Church of Scientology restored it to what it is today. The building is used by parishioners who are studying at very high levels of scientology and is also used for different administrational things.
The Chapel: The ceremonies that occur in the Church of Scientology can be broken into two groups. Some are communal while others are independent. Most of the community events that occur with Scientology occur in the chapel. The chapel has both weekly and ceremonial events. Weekly events are similar to services of different religions. There is a leader that gives an inspirational talk, there are prayers being said, and there are hymns being sung. In addition to these weekly events, more ceremonial events occur as well. These events include weddings, child naming, and funerals. These ceremonies allow for Scientologists to achieve their true nature in a community setting.
The Ways of Self Growth: The other kinds of ceremonies that Scientologists take part in are on an individual level. These ceremonies allow for followers to go through the eight dynamics while bettering themselves as individuals. There are three different kinds of ceremonies that take place. The most intimate is called auditing. It is said to increase spiritual awareness and physical benefits. During the process, a Scientologist sits down with a counselor. The counselor helps them discover engrams, and helps the follower get over them. (Engrams are records of painful past events.) An e-meter is used during the session to find these engrams. The second ceremony is more of a spiritual college of sort. A person can take different classes in many areas, such as a class on how to be a better citizen. The last ceremony is a purification rundown. It helps free a person from different drugs and toxins. This occurs through different saunas and cardio exercises. All three of these ceremonies are used to better the Scientologist in all aspects of life.
The Generalizations: In the last couple of years Scientology has become very big in the media. It started with Tom Cruise's affiliation with Scientology, and the concept heightened in popularity after that. There have been negative connotations developed about it. Some include that the Church of Scientology is a cult and that its main purpose is to take their followers' money. There have also been different things created from these connotations. A shirt and an episode of South Park are just a few examples. While some of the comments about Scientology that are made are true, it has been blown out of proportion with all of the media attention it is receiving.
Looking back on Clifford Geertz's definition of religion, I think that Scientology can be seen as a religion. There are symbols throughout the religion that give followers the same message. This message being to restore themselves to their true nature. In addition, this is done with an aura of factuality that is felt by the Scientologists. It is clear that they really believe all of the ideas behind Scientology.
For some reason the powerpoint is cut off a little bit, I am sorry about that.
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