The following is a transcribed Video Q&A, so the text may not read like an edited article would. Scroll to the bottom to view this video in its entirety.
Scientologists have some very different beliefs. According to scientology human beings are merely thetans, they just do not recognize it. A thetan is an immortal spirit. Here is how it went down: trillions of years ago these thetans (immortal spirits) got bored with their existence. Wanting to not be bored they created this physical world. However, being mere spirits, they needed to create bodies in order to enjoy the world they created. But through the process of reincarnation, they ended up forgetting their existence—they forgot who they were, and no longer understood that their true identity was that of a thetan.
Through the process of reincarnation, they ended up inheriting more and more engrams. An engram is a sensory impression on the mind that causes many emotional, mental, and physical difficulties to human beings. So, in order to be cleared, the thetan (or human being) needs to go through a process with an auditor. Now the auditor is trained in scientology to help you to become cleared of the engrams. They do this by working with an e-meter. And if you can “get cleared” you will then understand your true identity as a thetan. If you have not gone through the process of being cleared you are considered “pre-cleared”. The problem with humanity, then, is the engrams and our failure to understand our true identity as thetans.
Some things truly are stranger than fiction.
For further reading, check out the following articles:
What Is Scientology? 20 Things Scientologists Believe
5 Things Christians Should Know about Scientology
Recognize the Danger of the New Age Movement
The Stunning Belief of Nearly 70% of Born-Again Christians