Alternative therapy, Dianetics, and Scientology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17192/mjr.2010.15.3423Abstract
Since orthodox medicine sets the standard for what is acceptable within the medical arena, some alternative medicines integrate into medicine while others remain separate or face too much scrutiny to continue practicing. In the 1970s, Morely and Wallis (1976) recognized Dianetics and Scientology as a “marginal medicine,” and from the 1960s to 1970s several government organizations worldwide investigated the group. Consequently, Scientology retreated from the medical arena, claiming that it was a religion and establishing boundaries to insulate itself from regulation. Despite Scientology’s attempted retreat, Dianetics and Scientology doctrines and practices continue to reflect concerns and actions that belong to what Tovey and Adams (2001) identify as the social world of alternative medicine. In this article, I outline Scientology’s position within the medical arena, how that position has transformed over time, and Scientology’s isolation from the dominant social world within that arena (specifically scientific medicine).
References
● ABCNews. 2006. “Scientology Leader Gave ABC First-Ever Interview” (Transcribed from Nightline Television broadcast 1992) New York: ABC. Retrieved April 6, 2008
(http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=2664713).
● Ames, Bruce and Ilan Elson-Schwab, and Eli A Silver. 2002. “High-Dose Vitamin Therapy Stimulates Variant Enzymes with Decreased Coenzyme Binding Affinity (Increased Km): Relevance to Genetic Disease and Polymorphisms.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 75:616-658.
● Anderson, Kevin. 1965. Report of the Board of Inquiry into Scientology. Melbourne, Australia: A. C. Brooks, Government Printer.
● Bays, Harold and John Gayton. 2007. “Safety Considerations with Niacin Therapy.” The
American Journal of Cardiology 99 (March 19):22C-31C.
● Beyerstein, Barry. 2001. “Alternative Medicine and Common Errors of Reasoning.” Academic Medicine 76: 230-236.
● Church of Scientology Celebrity Center International. 1993. “Celebrity Interview of the Month: John Travolta.” Celebrity Minor Issue 271. Ed. Maria Ferrara:8-11.
● Church of Scientology Flag Service Org. 1985? “Non-Scientologist Group and Allied Group Meets at Flag!” Flag Crew News and Events 2(9):1.
● Committee on the Healing Arts. 1970. “Sectarian Healers and Hypnotherapy: Scientology.” Chapter 23 in Committee on the Healing Arts, Vol. 2. Toronto: The Queen’s Printer:504-510.
● Estate of McPherson v. Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc., Slaughter, Prodex, Inc., AMC Publishing Company, Minkoff, Johnson, Kartuzinski, Houghton. Case No. 97-01235, Section H. 1999. County of Hillsborough, Florida General Civil Division.
● Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education. 1982. “Protocol Developed to Test Detoxification and Removal of stored Xenobiotics in Humans.” FASE Reports 1(1):1.
● Fort Harrison Hotel notes. 1995 (November 18-December 2). Lisa McPherson, Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization. Unpublished notes from Scientology staff.
● Gordinier, Jeff. 1994. “John Travolta Finds Life after Disco with a Killer Role in ‘Pulp Fiction:’ The Man in the Plastic Bubble.” Entertainment Weekly (October 21):19-21, 24, 26, 30.
● Hess, David. 2004. “Medical Modernization, Scientific Research Fields and the Epistemic
Politics of Health Social Sciences.” Sociology of Health and Illness 26:695-709.
● Hirschkorn, Kristine and Ivy Bourgeault. 2005. “Conceptualizing Mainstream Health Care
Providers’ Behaviours in Relation to Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Social Science and Medicine 61:157-170.
● Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation. 1951 (February 22). “The Dianamic.” published by Staff of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation: Elizabeth, N.J.
● Hubbard, L. Ron. 1950. Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. New York: Hermitage House.
● Ibid. 1951. Dianetics the Original Thesis. Wichita, Kansas: The Wichita Publishing Company.
● Ibid. 1955. “The Scientologist: A Manual on the Dissemination of Material.” Ability Major
1. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:19.
● Ibid. 1957. “Eyesight and Glasses,” Professional Auditor’s Bulletin 111. Compiled from an Advanced Clinical Course tape by Johann Tempelhogg. London.
● Ibid. 1958a. “Assists in Scientology” Ability 73. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office.
● Ibid. 1958b. “The Clear.” Ability 71. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:3-10.
● Ibid. 1961. “Scientology’s Future.” Ability 131. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office.
● Ibid. 1962a (October 29). “Religion.” Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter.
● Ibid. 1962 [© 1961]. “What we expect of a Scientologist.” Ability 136. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:3-5.
● Ibid. 1963. “Scientology assists” This is Scientology. Detroit: Church of Scientology.
● Ibid. 1965 (December 27). “Vitamins” Hubbard Communications Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1966. “Psychoses, Neurosis and Psychiatrists.” Reality 40.
● Ibid. 1967. “All about Radiation (Man’s inhumanity to man).” Letchworth, Hertfordshire, Great Britain: The Publications Organization World Wide.
● Ibid. 1969a (May 14). “Dianetic Assists (Include in Medical Series): The use of Dianetics to the Medical Doctor.” Hubbard Communications Office HCO Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1969b (July 19). “Dianetics and Illness.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1969c (April 24). Dianetic Use.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1971 (July 15). “Important: Urgent: C/S Series 48R, Drug Handling.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin, Iss.3.
● Ibid. 1975 [© 1949]. “Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary.” Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 1978 (December 17). “Ron’s Journal 30: 1978 – the Year of Lightning Fast New Tech.” Executive Directive 301. California.
● Ibid. 1982. The Volunteer Minister’s handbook. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications, Inc.
● Ibid. 2007a [orig. 1950]. Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 2007b [orig. 1951]. Handbook for Preclears. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 2007c [orig. 1951]. Science of Survival. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● I Help International. 1995?a. “Working with the Red Cross.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 2:3.
● Ibid. 1995b. “News from around the World.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 1:3.
● Ibid. 1999. “Volunteer Ministers Rebuilding Lives and Cities with LRH Tech.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 8:3-10.
● Jason, Kima. 1975 (March 29). “Anti-Biotics, Administration of.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Jones, Kenneth. 2004. “Schism and Heresy in the Development of Orthodox Medicine: The Threat to Medicinal Hegemony.” Social Science and Medicine 58:703-712.
● Kaylin, Lucy. 2006. (May). “Man on a Mission.” GQ:144-155, 214.
● Kent, Stephen. 1996. “Scientology’s Relationship with Eastern Religious Traditions.” Journal of Contemporary Religion 11:21-36.
● . 1999. “The Creation of Religious Scientology: Influence, Control, and Opposition in Transnational Markets.” Religion 29:147-169.
● L. Ron Hubbard Library. 1991. Narconon: New Life Detoxification Program. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications.
● Lacey, Liam. 2007 (March 3). “The Lacey Report. Scientology: No Cure for the Jigglies,” The Globe and Mail:R3.
● Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. 2006. When Parents Say No: Religious and Cultural Influences on Pediatric Healthcare Treatment. Indianapolis: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
● Lobsinger, Bob. 1989 (April 27). Narconon Drug Treatment may be part of a Religious Cult.” The Newkirk Herald Journal. Reprinted in Narconon Exposed: Drug Rehabilitation
or Scientology Front? Retrieved June 15, 2008
(http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Narconon/sources/media/hj270489.htm).
● Merrick, Jana. 2003. “Spiritual Healing, Sick Kids and the Law: Inequalities in the American Healthcare System.” American Journal of Law and Medicine 29:269-299.
● Morely, Peter and Roy Wallis. 1976. “Introduction.” In P. Morely and R. Wallis (Eds.). Marginal medicine: Original papers on Christian Science, Dianetics, Pentecostal
Healing, health-care practices in the deep south, and other unorthodox forms of medical treatment. New York: The Free Press:9-22.
● Narconon International. 1989. “Narconon Drug Rehabilitation and Education Services.” Los
Angeles, California.
● Narconon International. 1990. “MGM/UA, Pathe Entertainment and Narconon: Benefit
Premiere.” Narconon Chilocco New Life Center, pamphlet.
● Ibid. 1991. “New Life Without Drugs: Help Narconon Chilocco New Life Center Saves
Lives.” Narconon Chilocco New Life Center, pamphlet.
● O’Neil, Deborah. [2002] rpt 2006 (February 8). “Scientology Reaches out to Troubled with Ad Campaign.” St. Petersburg Times Online. Retrieved April 23, 2008
(http://www.sptimes.com/2002/02/08/Worldandnation/Scientology_reaches_o.shtml).
● Robbins, Thomas. 1988. “Profit for Prophets: Legitimate and Illegitimate Economic Practices in New Religious Movements.” Chapter 5 in Money and Power in New Religious Movements. Ed. James Richardson. Queenston, Ontario: The Edwin Mellon Press:69-116.
● Rusnell, Charles. 2006 (May 23). “Experts Challenge Claims of Scientology’s Seat-it-out Treatment for Addicts.” Edmonton Journal.
● Samson, Colin. 1999. "Biomedicine and the Body." In Health Studies a Critical and Cross-Cultural Reader. Ed. Colin Samson. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers:3-21.
● Strauss, Anselm. 1978. “A Social World Perspective.” Studies in Symbolic Interactionism 1:119- 128.
● . 1982. Social Worlds and Legitimation Processes.” Studies in Symbolic Interaction 4:171-190.
● Tovey, P., and Adams, J. 2001. “Primary Care as Intersecting Social Worlds.” Social Science and Medicine 52: 695-706.
● United States of America v. Founding Church of Scientology et al., No. D.C. 1-63. 1971.
(July 30) U.S. Dist. Of Columbia. Federal Supplement, 33 1972 (357-369). St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Co.
● Wallis, Roy. 1975. “Societal Reaction to Scientology: A Study in the Sociology of Deviant Religion.” In Sectarianism. Ed. Roy Wallis. London: Peter Own: 86-116.
● Ibid. 1976. The Road to Total Freedom. London: Heinemann.
● Waxman, Sharon. 2005 (March 31). “Tom Cruise sells execs on Scientology.” Edmonton Journal:C1, C5.
● Zellner, William. 1995. “The Church of Scientology.” Chapter 5 in Counter Cultures: A Sociological Analysis: Skinheads, Satanism, The Unification Church, Ku Klux Klan, The Church of Scientology, Survivalists. New York: St. Martin’s Press:101-132.
(http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=2664713).
● Ames, Bruce and Ilan Elson-Schwab, and Eli A Silver. 2002. “High-Dose Vitamin Therapy Stimulates Variant Enzymes with Decreased Coenzyme Binding Affinity (Increased Km): Relevance to Genetic Disease and Polymorphisms.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 75:616-658.
● Anderson, Kevin. 1965. Report of the Board of Inquiry into Scientology. Melbourne, Australia: A. C. Brooks, Government Printer.
● Bays, Harold and John Gayton. 2007. “Safety Considerations with Niacin Therapy.” The
American Journal of Cardiology 99 (March 19):22C-31C.
● Beyerstein, Barry. 2001. “Alternative Medicine and Common Errors of Reasoning.” Academic Medicine 76: 230-236.
● Church of Scientology Celebrity Center International. 1993. “Celebrity Interview of the Month: John Travolta.” Celebrity Minor Issue 271. Ed. Maria Ferrara:8-11.
● Church of Scientology Flag Service Org. 1985? “Non-Scientologist Group and Allied Group Meets at Flag!” Flag Crew News and Events 2(9):1.
● Committee on the Healing Arts. 1970. “Sectarian Healers and Hypnotherapy: Scientology.” Chapter 23 in Committee on the Healing Arts, Vol. 2. Toronto: The Queen’s Printer:504-510.
● Estate of McPherson v. Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, Inc., Slaughter, Prodex, Inc., AMC Publishing Company, Minkoff, Johnson, Kartuzinski, Houghton. Case No. 97-01235, Section H. 1999. County of Hillsborough, Florida General Civil Division.
● Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education. 1982. “Protocol Developed to Test Detoxification and Removal of stored Xenobiotics in Humans.” FASE Reports 1(1):1.
● Fort Harrison Hotel notes. 1995 (November 18-December 2). Lisa McPherson, Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization. Unpublished notes from Scientology staff.
● Gordinier, Jeff. 1994. “John Travolta Finds Life after Disco with a Killer Role in ‘Pulp Fiction:’ The Man in the Plastic Bubble.” Entertainment Weekly (October 21):19-21, 24, 26, 30.
● Hess, David. 2004. “Medical Modernization, Scientific Research Fields and the Epistemic
Politics of Health Social Sciences.” Sociology of Health and Illness 26:695-709.
● Hirschkorn, Kristine and Ivy Bourgeault. 2005. “Conceptualizing Mainstream Health Care
Providers’ Behaviours in Relation to Complementary and Alternative Medicine.” Social Science and Medicine 61:157-170.
● Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation. 1951 (February 22). “The Dianamic.” published by Staff of the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation: Elizabeth, N.J.
● Hubbard, L. Ron. 1950. Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. New York: Hermitage House.
● Ibid. 1951. Dianetics the Original Thesis. Wichita, Kansas: The Wichita Publishing Company.
● Ibid. 1955. “The Scientologist: A Manual on the Dissemination of Material.” Ability Major
1. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:19.
● Ibid. 1957. “Eyesight and Glasses,” Professional Auditor’s Bulletin 111. Compiled from an Advanced Clinical Course tape by Johann Tempelhogg. London.
● Ibid. 1958a. “Assists in Scientology” Ability 73. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office.
● Ibid. 1958b. “The Clear.” Ability 71. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:3-10.
● Ibid. 1961. “Scientology’s Future.” Ability 131. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office.
● Ibid. 1962a (October 29). “Religion.” Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter.
● Ibid. 1962 [© 1961]. “What we expect of a Scientologist.” Ability 136. Washington: The Hubbard Communications Office:3-5.
● Ibid. 1963. “Scientology assists” This is Scientology. Detroit: Church of Scientology.
● Ibid. 1965 (December 27). “Vitamins” Hubbard Communications Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1966. “Psychoses, Neurosis and Psychiatrists.” Reality 40.
● Ibid. 1967. “All about Radiation (Man’s inhumanity to man).” Letchworth, Hertfordshire, Great Britain: The Publications Organization World Wide.
● Ibid. 1969a (May 14). “Dianetic Assists (Include in Medical Series): The use of Dianetics to the Medical Doctor.” Hubbard Communications Office HCO Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1969b (July 19). “Dianetics and Illness.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1969c (April 24). Dianetic Use.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Ibid. 1971 (July 15). “Important: Urgent: C/S Series 48R, Drug Handling.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin, Iss.3.
● Ibid. 1975 [© 1949]. “Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary.” Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 1978 (December 17). “Ron’s Journal 30: 1978 – the Year of Lightning Fast New Tech.” Executive Directive 301. California.
● Ibid. 1982. The Volunteer Minister’s handbook. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications, Inc.
● Ibid. 2007a [orig. 1950]. Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 2007b [orig. 1951]. Handbook for Preclears. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● Ibid. 2007c [orig. 1951]. Science of Survival. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications Inc.
● I Help International. 1995?a. “Working with the Red Cross.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 2:3.
● Ibid. 1995b. “News from around the World.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 1:3.
● Ibid. 1999. “Volunteer Ministers Rebuilding Lives and Cities with LRH Tech.” Volunteer Minister’s in Action 8:3-10.
● Jason, Kima. 1975 (March 29). “Anti-Biotics, Administration of.” Hubbard Communications Office Bulletin.
● Jones, Kenneth. 2004. “Schism and Heresy in the Development of Orthodox Medicine: The Threat to Medicinal Hegemony.” Social Science and Medicine 58:703-712.
● Kaylin, Lucy. 2006. (May). “Man on a Mission.” GQ:144-155, 214.
● Kent, Stephen. 1996. “Scientology’s Relationship with Eastern Religious Traditions.” Journal of Contemporary Religion 11:21-36.
● . 1999. “The Creation of Religious Scientology: Influence, Control, and Opposition in Transnational Markets.” Religion 29:147-169.
● L. Ron Hubbard Library. 1991. Narconon: New Life Detoxification Program. Los Angeles: Bridge Publications.
● Lacey, Liam. 2007 (March 3). “The Lacey Report. Scientology: No Cure for the Jigglies,” The Globe and Mail:R3.
● Linnard-Palmer, Luanne. 2006. When Parents Say No: Religious and Cultural Influences on Pediatric Healthcare Treatment. Indianapolis: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
● Lobsinger, Bob. 1989 (April 27). Narconon Drug Treatment may be part of a Religious Cult.” The Newkirk Herald Journal. Reprinted in Narconon Exposed: Drug Rehabilitation
or Scientology Front? Retrieved June 15, 2008
(http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Narconon/sources/media/hj270489.htm).
● Merrick, Jana. 2003. “Spiritual Healing, Sick Kids and the Law: Inequalities in the American Healthcare System.” American Journal of Law and Medicine 29:269-299.
● Morely, Peter and Roy Wallis. 1976. “Introduction.” In P. Morely and R. Wallis (Eds.). Marginal medicine: Original papers on Christian Science, Dianetics, Pentecostal
Healing, health-care practices in the deep south, and other unorthodox forms of medical treatment. New York: The Free Press:9-22.
● Narconon International. 1989. “Narconon Drug Rehabilitation and Education Services.” Los
Angeles, California.
● Narconon International. 1990. “MGM/UA, Pathe Entertainment and Narconon: Benefit
Premiere.” Narconon Chilocco New Life Center, pamphlet.
● Ibid. 1991. “New Life Without Drugs: Help Narconon Chilocco New Life Center Saves
Lives.” Narconon Chilocco New Life Center, pamphlet.
● O’Neil, Deborah. [2002] rpt 2006 (February 8). “Scientology Reaches out to Troubled with Ad Campaign.” St. Petersburg Times Online. Retrieved April 23, 2008
(http://www.sptimes.com/2002/02/08/Worldandnation/Scientology_reaches_o.shtml).
● Robbins, Thomas. 1988. “Profit for Prophets: Legitimate and Illegitimate Economic Practices in New Religious Movements.” Chapter 5 in Money and Power in New Religious Movements. Ed. James Richardson. Queenston, Ontario: The Edwin Mellon Press:69-116.
● Rusnell, Charles. 2006 (May 23). “Experts Challenge Claims of Scientology’s Seat-it-out Treatment for Addicts.” Edmonton Journal.
● Samson, Colin. 1999. "Biomedicine and the Body." In Health Studies a Critical and Cross-Cultural Reader. Ed. Colin Samson. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers:3-21.
● Strauss, Anselm. 1978. “A Social World Perspective.” Studies in Symbolic Interactionism 1:119- 128.
● . 1982. Social Worlds and Legitimation Processes.” Studies in Symbolic Interaction 4:171-190.
● Tovey, P., and Adams, J. 2001. “Primary Care as Intersecting Social Worlds.” Social Science and Medicine 52: 695-706.
● United States of America v. Founding Church of Scientology et al., No. D.C. 1-63. 1971.
(July 30) U.S. Dist. Of Columbia. Federal Supplement, 33 1972 (357-369). St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing Co.
● Wallis, Roy. 1975. “Societal Reaction to Scientology: A Study in the Sociology of Deviant Religion.” In Sectarianism. Ed. Roy Wallis. London: Peter Own: 86-116.
● Ibid. 1976. The Road to Total Freedom. London: Heinemann.
● Waxman, Sharon. 2005 (March 31). “Tom Cruise sells execs on Scientology.” Edmonton Journal:C1, C5.
● Zellner, William. 1995. “The Church of Scientology.” Chapter 5 in Counter Cultures: A Sociological Analysis: Skinheads, Satanism, The Unification Church, Ku Klux Klan, The Church of Scientology, Survivalists. New York: St. Martin’s Press:101-132.
Downloads
Published
2015-04-28
How to Cite
Manca, T. (2015). Alternative therapy, Dianetics, and Scientology. Marburg Journal of Religion, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.17192/mjr.2010.15.3423
Issue
Section
Articles
License
Overall copyright is assigned to Marburg Journal of Religion. Authors retain copyright for individual contributions and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.An author may give permission for an article published here to be published elsewhere, provided that the source is indicated in the form "First published in Marburg Journal of Religion, Volume 00 (year), Number 00".