Scientology is a relatively new religion, but it’s been tabling on the U campus longer than most religions do.
For the past two months, Scientologists from the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation have stood at their station in the Union offering free stress tests to U students and faculty.
Volunteering Scientologists come to the U to educate people about the book, Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health, by L. Ron Hubbard, who is the founder of Scientology, Dianetics technology and previously a science-fiction writer.
According to Scientology, Dianetics is a method that can help alleviate unwanted emotions that are produced by the reactive mind, which is responsible for creating the stress that impedes one’s ability to cope with everyday problems.
Curious students made surprising new discoveries about themselves after visiting the Scientologists’ table and taking the stress test.
“It has made me realize where most of my problems come from,” said Willy Lokiru, an undecided freshman. Lokiru said he didn’t think he had stress before and is now interested in exploring Scientology.
The stress test is relatively simple. The student sits down, relaxes and holds two metal tubes, connected to a meter, in his or her hands. Once the stress meter is switched on, these tubes will release a minute electrical signal throughout the body.
The administrator of the test begins the test by asking the student about certain family members or about situations that might have caused him or her frustration. Supposedly, if the student feels stressed when thinking about these people or situations, it will show up on the meter.
“We want people to be able to handle these things, so that they don’t handle you later,” said Kelli Foust, director of the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation in Salt Lake City. “I feel that everyone deserves to have physical and mental health.”
Scientologists will be administering the free tests for an indefinite period of time, Foust said. As of today, he said every Tuesday they will be at their post until 3:30 p.m.