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March 15, 2001
The “WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY?” Exposition
Spirituality on the stage in the 12th district of Paris
“This beautiful exhibit answers clearly all questions I had on Scientology.”
“I am really impressed by all that Scientologists are doing, especially by their anti-drug actions, of which I never heard in the media.”
“Now that I know what you are really doing, I wish you good luck.”
“It is good to meet people who are so enthusiastic about their beliefs.”
These remarks of Paris citizens were among countless similar ones made by the thousands of citizens who visited the spectacular “What is Scientology? Exposition” between 23 March and 6 April, 2001.
The exposition touring Europe is fulfilling the unprecedented public interest in the principles of the religion of Scientology and the actions of the churches in the community.
In the 1,000-square-meter expo, the beliefs of Scientology are clearly explained, fully illustrated with photos and drawings on 160 display panels, and supported by films and videos. Workshops make it easy for people to test and apply these principles in their everyday life. All along the exhibit, various lectures open to all cover subjects such as the spiritual effects of drugs on individuals and methods to address those effects found in different religions, including the Purification Program used in the Church, which has helped to free a quarter of a million people from the harmful effects of drugs.
Scientologists are particularly active in drug prevention actions, and created one of the largest drug-education campaigns in France. The aim of Scientology is that each person is free to reach a higher awareness and spiritual freedom, and drugs have been recognized as a barrier to any spiritual progress. Extensive research carried out by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the religion of Scientology, resulted in his developing an effective method that frees an individual from drugs, not such by ridding the body of them, but by removing their spiritual effects. The purification program also helps individuals reach a higher spiritual awareness by eliminating from the body the toxins and chemicals of a polluted environment.
Public Information Campaign
The exposition — the largest ever seen on Scientology — belongs to an expansive public information campaign designed to let people find out about and make up their own minds about the religion.
A smaller exhibition that toured 50 European cities in 2000 hosted more than 100,000 visitors, including officials, religious leaders, community leaders, professionals, students, parents and other interested members of the public who want to learn about Scientology for themselves instead of relying on second or third-hand accounts or media reports.
The 2001 exposition had already welcomed more than 30,000 visitors in London and Milano before arriving in Paris, and the next stages of its European tour will be Stuttgart and Munich.
The exposition held a grand opening in Paris with the well-known soul musician Isaac Hayes and actress Ann Archer, both of whom traveled to France especially to cut the ribbon, and who encouraged the public to see for themselves what Scientology really is.
“Scientology has been a part of the French culture and society for over 40 years. Our wish with this exposition is that visitors can understand what Scientologists bring to the community through the different charitable programs supported by the Church, from drug prevention to the crusade against illiteracy,” concluded Mr. Aron Mason, Public Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology International.
New Understanding
Typical comments by visitors to the exposition and the earlier exhibition were that they had heard of Scientology or seen a church but never really knew what it was, until seeing the informative displays and demonstrations. After touring the exposition, many also said they not only understood more about the religion, but understood its goals and what it can do for people.
“Finally, something can be done about drugs,” said one visitor.
“I think your philosophy, more than any other, understands the importance of every man,” said another.
“I’m glad something like this exists for humanity, because we live in such a confused world,” said yet another.
The display panels and demonstrations of the exposition were carefully designed based on the responses of visitors to the exhibit in 2000.
The displays include photographs and graphics to depict fundamental principles of the religion including statistical information about the Church and its members; photographs of various churches around the world; displays on the social betterment and reform activities sponsored or supported by Scientologists; and a presentation on Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
Many visitors were attracted to a live demonstration of the Hubbard electropsychometer, or E-meter — a religious device that assists trained Scientology religious counsellors, known as auditors (from the Latin root audire, meaning to listen) to detect areas of spiritual travail. The e-meter responds to thought. The demonstration stand was a constant success, as numerous visitors could see their thought.
Many visitors also gathered to watch the continual showing of an exclusive filmed interview with Mr. Hubbard from the mid-1960s, An Introduction to Scientology.
Social Betterment
But to the eyes of all persons active in charitable associations, the most important points were undoubtedly to discover the charitable programs sponsored by the Church.
One point of strong interest was the display on Narconon, the workable drug rehabilitation program which uses Mr. Hubbard’s method exclusively. Providing both drug rehabilitation and prevention education, Narconon has 70 centers in 29 countries today. The program has achieved international acclaim for its success rate in freeing addicts from the chain of drugs and alcohol. Narconon also conducts drug education, reaching millions of youth through lectures that are increasingly in demand.
The social betterment programs supported by the Church and displayed in the exposition also include activities to address illiteracy, criminality and declining morals. Central to a number of these programs is The Way to Happiness, a non-religious, common sense moral code. Its 21 precepts of time-honored values — such as “love and help children,” “fulfill your obligations” and “seek to live with the truth” — have found common agreement among many cultures and creeds. More than 55 million copies of The Way to Happiness booklet have been published in 57 countries in 22 languages since it was first published 20 years ago.
Using the booklet, schools throughout the United States have reported a remarkable increase in morality among students and a decrease in behavioral problems and violence.
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The expo will travel to major cities throughout Europe, including a further appearance in Paris later in the year.
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