The Church of Scientology

Movement·Founded 1954 CE·Sharply disputed. The church has claimed membership in the millions. National census counts and independent surveys return figures two to three orders of magnitude lower, and the church does not publish auditable numbers.

The Church of Scientology

Branch
Precept of The Church of Scientology

The eight dynamics — and disconnection.

Ethics is calculated across eight widening circles, from self to the Supreme Being. The same system produces disconnection: a member may be required to cut contact with a person declared suppressive, including a parent or a child.

What it asksAct for the greatest good across all eight dynamics, from self to the Supreme Being
Who it bindsEvery Scientologist; the ethics conditions are formal and graded
Where it bitesWhen a family member is declared suppressive and the policy asks you to disconnect
Understanding it — context, not catechism: how this passage is held

The eight dynamics run from survival as oneself outward through family, groups, humanity, all life, the physical universe, the spiritual dynamic, and infinity or the Supreme Being. An ethical act is one that benefits the greatest number of them. From the same system comes the church's handling of opposition: a person may be declared a Suppressive Person, and a member in good standing who stays in contact with them becomes a Potential Trouble Source. Disconnection is the remedy — cutting contact entirely. The church has at times denied the policy exists and now describes it as a right of association. Former members, several parliamentary inquiries and family courts have described the effect on families in detail.

The same ground, other faiths

claims that share this one's ideas
Chosen means obligated. Judaism · core tenet Go deeper →
The observant community. Orthodox Judaism · community Go deeper →
Ranks, and a General with real authority. The Salvation Army · community Go deeper →
The dharma of one's station. Hinduism Go deeper →
The Five Precepts. Buddhism Go deeper →
Ahimsa at the table. Jainism Go deeper →

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