Unit 9: Scientology: New Religious Movement

The church of Scientology’s building in Los Angeles

I am so excited that this week’s assignment is all about New Religious Movements. If you’ve read my blog, then you already know about my research project. I wanted to do it on a religion I have no affiliation with or history with. I don’t mean personal history, I personally have no religious affiliation. But rather, I wanted to do something “off the beaten path”. This week I thought I’d give a look into the Sea Organization, the elite of the Scientologists.

The Sea Organization, referred to as the Sea Org, is to Scientology what nuns and priests are to Catholicism. They dedicate their lives, and really, even all their following lives (remember, they believe in reincarnation) to working for the Sea Org. Below is a copy I found of the contract for the Sea Org members to sign when they join.

I, ___________________ DO HEREBY AGREE to enter into employment with the SEA ORGANIZATION and, being of sound mind, do fully realize and agree to abide by its purpose which is to get ETHICS IN on this PLANET AND UNIVERSE and, fully and without reservation, subscribe to the discipline, mores and conditions of this group and pledge to abide by them.THEREFORE, I CONTRACT MYSELF TO THE SEA ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEXT BILLION YEARS.

— Contract of employment of the Sea Organization

Reincarnation is one of the main tenets of Scientology, and the Sea Org’s motto of “we come back” reflects that. The Sea Org was first established by L. Ron Hubbard (founder of Scientology) in 1967. Hubbard had served in the Navy and there is no doubt that this was an influence in the incorporation of the Sea Org. When it started, the Sea Org had three ships that served as mobile bases for the religion. In the mid-seventies, the Sea Org docked their private Navy and brought the base of operation to land. As of today the Sea Org boasts over 6,000 members, all volunteers who commit their life to working for Scientology. They are provided with food and shelter and given a small weekly allowance. They are allowed to marry, but none may have children.

It is only fair to mention, the Sea org has faced major scrutiny and scandal amid accusations from ex-members. Some claim they were held against their will, some claim it is no more than slave labor, and others have claimed physical abuse and torture. David Miscavige, Hubbard’s successor and the current leader of the church, has often been the target of these claims.

In spite of these horrendous claims, the Sea Org has remained the gem of Scientology. The members are revered among fellow Scientologists as the creme de la creme and most of Scientology’s leadership positions are currently filled with members of the Sea Org.

Wakefield, Marjorie. Understanding Scientology

http://www.cs.cmu.edu

Scientology (Official Website)

http://www.scientology.org