Formed: 1954
Origin: Camden, New Jersey
Years Active: 1954-present
Founder: Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
Current Leader: David Miscavige
Beliefs:
Other Facts
By George Dimmock
Read More:
New Television documentary encourages people to leave the Church of Scientology
Origin: Camden, New Jersey
Years Active: 1954-present
Founder: Lafayette Ronald Hubbard
Current Leader: David Miscavige
Beliefs:
- A series of beliefs and related practices created by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard (1911 - 1986) as a successor to his previous self-help system, Dianetics. Hubbard has characterised Scientology as a religion.
- Scientology teaches people that they are immortal beings who have forgotten their true nature. The church conducts a method of spiritual rehabilitation called "Auditing". The aim of "Auditing" is for people to experience painful or traumatic events in their past in order to free themselves of their limiting effects.
- The belief that souls ("Thetans") reincarnate and have lived on other planets before living on Earth.
- The practice of psychiatry is destructive and abusive and must be abolished.
Other Facts
- Often characterised as a cult, the church has faced harsh criticism for its practices which critics claim include, brainwashing and often defrauding its members.
- The church often uses harsh legal action and aggressive pursuits on its critics, which has often been classed as harassment.
- Is considered a tax-free religion in most parts of the world where it is active.
- Offers a fee-for-service for providing auditing sessions and study materials, classed as a "fixed donation". The church has been criticised for this method, often gaining thousands from its members before providing any of its services.
By George Dimmock
Read More:
New Television documentary encourages people to leave the Church of Scientology