HCOB: Religious Philosophy and Religious Practice

HUBBARD COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex
HCO BULLETIN OF 21 JUNE 1960¹

Remimeo
Staff
Students

RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICE

(Originally written by LRH as HCOB of 21 June 60,same title. It was later reissued as HCOB of 18 Apr. 67.)

Scientology is a religion by its basic tenets, practice, historical background and by the definition of the word “religion” itself. The following will help clarify the philosophical and practical aspects of religion.

Religious practice implies ritual, faith-in, doctrine based on a catechism and a creed.

Religious philosophy implies study of spiritual manifestations; research on the nature of the spirit and study on the relationship of the spirit to the body;exercises devoted to the rehabilitation of abilities in a spirit.

Scientology is a religious philosophy in its highest meaning as it brings man to total freedom and truth. Our Confessional relieves the being of the encumbrances which keep his awareness as a being limited to the physical aspects of life.

Scientology is also a religious practice in that the Church of Scientology conducts basic services such as sermons at Church meetings, christenings, weddings and funerals.

Scientology does not conflict with other religions or religious practices as it clarifies them and brings understanding of the spiritual nature of man.

Scientology has amongst its members people of all the major faiths, including many priests, bishops and other ordained communicants of the major faiths.

Scientology’s closest spiritual ties with any other religion are with Orthodox (Hinayana) Buddhism with which it shares an historical lineage. But even here the relationship is based mainly on friendship and the recognition of the being as a spirit rather than on any organizational ties.

L. RON HUBBARD
Founder

Notes