Scientology's story
1967: the Sea Org
Hubbard founded the Sea Organization in 1967, running Scientology's management from ships. Its members sign symbolic billion-year commitments.
What happened
In 1967 Hubbard took to the sea with a small fleet and founded the Sea Organization, Scientology's dedicated religious order. Sea Org members sign a commitment for a billion years, which the Church describes as symbolic of eternal dedication. The Sea Org still staffs Scientology's senior organisations.
Former Sea Org members have published accounts of long hours, low pay and strict discipline; the Church disputes them.
A Bible lens
Jesus asked for total commitment too, but to himself, and he described his yoke as easy and his burden light.
28“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (WEB) · context
23He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 9:23 (WEB) · context
Where accounts differ
- Former members and the Church give conflicting accounts of life in the Sea Org.
Sources
- Scientology source Church of Scientology, the Sea Organization (scientology.org).
- Lawrence Wright, Going Clear (2013); Jenna Miscavige Hill, Beyond Belief (2013).