Are Scientologists Told What to Think: Conditioning and Reality in Scientology

Introduction to Conditioning and Environment

The human mind is susceptible to conditioning from the environment and early influences. Individuals who fail to recognize this conditioning often find themselves trapped within its constraints. Similarly, in the context of Scientology, members are often confronted with the reality that they might not be thinking independently but rather as dictated by the organization's teachings.

Scientology and Conditional Thinking

Scientology emphasizes the importance of 'thinking for oneself' and recognizing that what is true for an individual must be validated personally. This principle aims to break the cycle of dependency on external ideas and promote self-determination. However, the process of achieving self-realization can be challenging, particularly when dealing with the complex and potentially misleading content within Scientology;

Two Primary Principles of Scientology

Think for yourself: This principle encourages members to question and verify information rather than accepting it passively. It’s not true for you if it isn’t true for you: This principle mandates that beliefs and ideas must be personally validated, fostering a culture of self-reliance and critical thinking.

The Truth About Scientology

Despite claims by Scientology that members think for themselves, many members end up following the teachings, policies, and procedures laid out by the organization. This can lead to situations where members are told not to question or doubt certain aspects of the doctrine, which can be detrimental.

The Problem of Trust and Criticism

Members are often warned against having any negative thoughts towards the church, as this is seen as a breach of trust. They are encouraged to understand the teachings through personal experience rather than being told to believe them outright. The church does not provide detailed explanations, ensuring that individuals must rely on the organization for guidance.

Hubbard and the Ideological Pedagogy

Scientology’s early leader, L. Ron Hubbard, utilized a form of ideological pedagogy to condition his followers into thinking in a specific manner. He presented Scientology as both a scientific and spiritual pursuit, positioning himself as the ultimate source of truth. This manifestation of control is evident in Hubbard's belief that he had risen above the collective mind's ill-informed decisions and could offer unique insights and solutions.

The 'Bank' Metaphor and Cult of Personality

Hubbard described the collective mind as a 'bank' filled with ill-informed decisions and painful experiences that could influence a person's behavior. He positioned himself as a figure who could rise above this 'bank' and provide guidance. This metaphor was used to justify his claims and maintain a cult-like loyalty among members. The question "What would LRH do?" became a central tenet of Scientology, further reinforcing the idea that his teachings were infallible.

The Dangers of Blind Belief

While Scientology claims to promote independent thinking, this is often misunderstood and weaponized by the organization. Those who attempt to critically analyze and question the teachings are often met with resistance or ostracism. For example, those who identify and interact with 'OT' (Operating Thetans) may face significant challenges or even expulsion if they do not conform to the organization's expectations.

Contradictions and Controversies

Scientology is full of contradictions, and the organization actively discourages critical thinking. Those who question the teachings or engage in 'critical shooting' (challenging the organization's doctrines) often face internal conflicts and social ostracism. In essence, the organization's pedagogical structure ensures that members think in a way that aligns with the organization's beliefs and values.

The Role of Intellectual Conditioning

The process of intellectual conditioning in Scientology begins early and is designed to replace an individual's personal evaluations with Hubbard's. This conditioning is reinforced through repetitive and comprehensive teachings, which can effectively 'hammer the reality' into a member's mind. Terms like 'wog world' are used to describe a flawed perceptual reality that is replaced by the 'true' reality presented by Scientology.

Conclusion on the Influence of Hubbard

While Hubbard's teachings provide a framework for understanding and improving one's cognitive abilities, the reality is that many individuals who join Scientology are deeply influenced by the ideology and cult-like practices. This conditioning can lead to a situation where members are convinced that they are thinking independently, when in fact, they are following a carefully constructed set of beliefs and behaviors.

It is crucial for individuals to approach Scientology with a critical eye and independent thinking. As the organization itself discourages skepticism, it is the responsibility of individuals to seek and verify information from multiple sources to form their own opinions.