Understanding "What Is Scientology?"

A Guide to the Texts and Commentaries

This page is under construction. The chapter organization below is based on the on-line edition and the 1992 print edition.

The Chapters

Foreword

Part One: Scientology: Its Background and Origins

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Scientology Religion
Chapter 2: The Religious Heritage of Scientology
Chapter 3: L. Ron Hubbard: The Founder of Scientology

Part Two: Scientology Principles and Application

Chapter 4: A Description of Scientology
Dianetics. The Reactive Mind. The 8 Dynamics. The Tone Scale. ARC.
Chapter 5: The Practice of Scientology
Auditing. The E-meter. Training.
Chapter 6: The Bridge to a Better Life

Part Three: The Services of Scientology

Chapter 7: Basic Books, Extension Courses and Lectures
Chapter 8: Introductory Services
Chapter 9: The Purification Program: Rehabilitating a Drugged and Poisoned World
Chapter 10: Study Technology: Effective Learning and Education
Chapter 11: The Key to Life: Handling a World Out of Communication
Chapter 12: The Life Orientation Course: Attaining Competence in Life
Chapter 13: Auditing Services
Includes summaries of grades on the Bridge up to Clear and Operating Thetan.
Chapter 14: Auditor Training Services
Chapter 15: Other Ministerial Services
Chapter 16: Scientology Ethics and Judicial Matters
Ethics conditions. Stats. Committees of Evidence. Courts.

Part Four: The Effectiveness of Scientology

Chapter 17: Successes of Scientology
Personal accounts by people who have been involved with Scientology[tm].
Chapter 18: Recommended Course of Progress
Chapter 19: Any Reasons for Difficulties and Their Correction

Part Five: Churches of Scientology and Their Activities

Chapter 20: What Occurs in a Church of Scientology
Chapter 21: Scientology Around the World
Chapter 22: The International Association of Scientologists
Chapter 23: A Vital Force in the Community
Chapter 24: Spearheading Social Reform

Part Six: The Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE)

Chapter 25: ABLE: Solutions to a Troubled Society
Narcon. Criminon. Applied Scholastics. The Way to Happiness.

Part Seven: World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE)

Chapter 26: WISE: Enabling Groups to Flourish and Prosper

Part Eight: The Statistics and Growth of Scientology

Chapter 27: Demographic and Statistical Facts About Scientology
Chapter 28: The Firsts of Dianetics and Scientology
Chapter 29: The History of Scientology's Expansion
Chapter 30: Future Prediction of Scientology
Chapter 31: Those Who Oppose Scientology
Psychiatry. The FDA. The media. The IRS. Other critics. Plus: Net critics.

Part Nine: A Scientology Catechism

Chapter 32: Answers to Common Questions

Part Ten: References

Chapter 33: The Creeds and Codes of Scientology
Chapter 34: The Axioms of Dianetics and Scientology
Chapter 35: L. Ron Hubbard: A Chronicle
Chapter 36: Important Dates in Scientology
Chapter 37: The Victories of Scientology
Chapter 38: Pledge to Mankind
Chapter 39: The Holidays of Scientology
Chapter 40: The Complete Services of Scientology
Chapter 41: Suggested Books, Lectures and Videos
Chapter 42: Complete List of Books and Materials
Chapter 43: List of Organizations

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

INDEX

EPILOGUE

Edited by John Mark Ockerbloom. This Web site is not in any way sponsored or endorsed by the Church of Scientology[tm] or its affiliates.