The Church of Scientology International has produces a beautiful textbook on the Scientology religion.  It is called Scientology: Theology and Practice of a Contemporary Religion.

Here is a quote from the chapter on Scientology religious doctine:

"Scientology religious doctrine includes certain fundamental truths. Prime among them are that man is a spiritual being whose existence spans more than one life and who is endowed with abilities well beyond those which he normally considers he possesses. He is not only able to solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also to achieve new states of spiritual awareness he may never have dreamed possible.

"Scientology holds that man is basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself, his relationships with his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe. In that regard, Scientology is a religious philosophy in the most profound sense of the word, for it is concerned with no less than the full rehabilitation of man’s innate spiritual self—his capabilities, his awareness, and his certainty of his own immortality."

 

 I couldn’t resist adding another of Robert Castagna’s beautiful photographs.

 

 

The Scientology Celebrity Centre web site has a terrific article about Kelly Preston.

 There’s a rundown of her acting credits (quite impressive!) and she answers such questions as "How did you get into Scientology?"   She also speaks about the Purification Rundown and how the technology has changed her life.

 This is one of a set of magnificent photographs that are going to support the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology of Boston.  Robert Castagna, who is the photographer, is also the Public Affairs Director of the Church and runs  the Ministry - called the Boston Scientology Volunteer Ministry.  For more of his incredible art, go to his Photographic Philosophy blog or visit his web site: Robert Castagna Photography.

Jenny writes, on Heroes of our Time blog:

 

Yesterday, in Washington D.C., the Church of Scientology International and Youth for Human Rights International joined forces to acknowledge 4 human rights heroes.

Actresses Anne Archer and Jenna Elfman were there to present the awards at Capital Hill.

The Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre web site explains the Church’s views on human rights as follows:

"Scientologists have worked over the past five decades to defend and uphold human rights and religious freedoms — not only to preserve their own rights, but also to guarantee the rights and freedoms of every citizen. The freedoms of speech, choice, thought and belief are sacred, and their violation can be found at the root of any conflict.

"Central to the establishment of international human rights is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations in the aftermath of World War II, the declaration proclaims that all people are entitled to basic rights that none have the power to take away."

The site goes on to say:

"Mr. Hubbard pointed out, ‘Very few governments have implemented any part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These governments have not grasped that their very survival depends utterly upon adopting such reforms and thus giving their peoples a cause, a civilization worth supporting, worth their patriotism.’"

I think it’s a great thing to be promoting human rights and making sure everyone understands their rights.  History shows there has been a serious lack of respect for the rights of others.  I believe that the only way we have a chance to make human rights a fact is to start with eduction on the subject.