What Is Scientology

Scientology is an America-born religion. It is often at the center of debate. On one hand, you have actors such as John Travolta and Tom Cruise embracing this religion. On the other, you have the founder's own words, "If a man wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion." Many heated arguments occur over the merits of this faith. So, what is Scientology, anyway?


Scientology literally means "the study of truth." This religion was founded in 1954 by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, who was born in 1911. He wrote a book called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health (1950). Scientology is based on this book of self-improvement and spiritual awakening.


Scientologists believe that humans have three parts: body, mind, and spirit. The spirit is immortal. Belief in reincarnation is a major part of Scientology. Drugs are like poison and should be avoided if at all possible. Members are not asked to accept anything by faith but by what can be observed. God is vaguely referred to as "infinity" or "allness of all" and is not a being that the Church of Scientology worships.


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