Scientology

Scientology is a set of religious beliefs and practices invented by American author L. Ron Hubbard, and an associated movement. It has been variously defined as a cult, a business or a new religious movement. The most recent published census data (from 2011) indicate that in the United States there were about 25,000 followers, which is less than 0.01% of the population.

History

Scientology was developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1952, succeeding an earlier self-help system called Dianetics which was set out in book form in May 1950. Hubbard characterized Scientology as a religion, and in 1953 incorporated the Church of Scientology in Camden, New Jersey.

Beliefs and practices

Scientology is based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, particularly the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. It teaches that people are immortal spiritual beings who have forgotten their true nature. Its method of spiritual rehabilitation is a type of counselling known as auditing, in which practitioners aim to consciously re-experience painful or traumatic events in their past in order to free themselves of their limiting effects.

Controversies

Scientology has been the subject of numerous controversies. It has been criticized for its secretive nature, its treatment of followers, and its handling of critics and perceived enemies, which has included a program of covert and illegal infiltration of the U.S. government known as Operation Snow White.

See also

• List of Scientology organizations
• Scientology and the legal system
• Scientology and psychiatry
• Scientology controversies

References

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External links

• Official Church of Scientology website

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