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Important Texts: Many books by L. Ron Hubbard, including: "Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought and Dianetics" and "The Modern Science of Mental Health"
Number of Believers: Approximately 500,000
Gods? Goddesses?: Life force or energy that exists beyond everything. Particular gods and goddesses are personal beliefs, so there is no set dogma.
Afterlife?: Reincarnation
Founded: 1952-53, by sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard
Beliefs:
Scientology is based on the belief that every person is an immortal being, called a thetan, and possesses a mind and a body. Although every person is basically good, anyone can become "aberrated" through negative choices or life experiences. Since every person experiences several lifetimes, many negative experiences may be built up. The goal of scientology is to return the soul to its native state, and this is done through a very specific practice, taught by the Church of Scientology.
Scientology literally means "the study or knowledge or truth" and it is this truth, which is gained from observing the world that allows people to reach their former state.
History:
The word "scientology" was originally coined in 1907 as another word for "pseudoscience." However, the science fiction writer, L. Ron Hubbard created the actual Church of Scientology in the 1950s.
Today:
Scientology is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, and has a controversial history. Two beliefs that have been a source of controversy are:
Silent birth, the belief that a mother must be silent while giving birth, so that the baby is not brought into the world in a traumatic way.
Opposition to psychology and psychiatry, which they believe are false and even unethical, due to incorrect ideas about physical causes of mental disorders.
For more information, check out these sites:
Scientology.org
WhatIsScientology.org
ReligiousTolerance.org on Scientology
Wikipedia.org on Scientology
