Scientology – what is it?
Scientology is a complex set of beliefs that combines a religious and church-like structure with a set of unique techniques for personal and spiritual development. It is probably the most widespread and well-known New Religious Movement founded in the 20th Century.
Many critics don’t consider Scientology to be a religion at all.
Scientology was founded by Layafette Ron Hubbard (1911 – 86), a science-fiction writer. Hubbard possessed two doctorate degrees, was a naval commander and war hero and was a noted international explorer. But critics claim that the degrees were of the mail-order variety; he was only ever in command of a small naval escort vessel and tales of his exploring exploits were much exaggerated.
Scientology began as Dianetics – Hubbard’s theory of the mind and mental health. It was published in 1950 in the periodical Amazing Science Fiction.
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