THROUGHOUT the world, there are roughly 4,200 religions and among them is Scientology.
Founded in the 1950s by the late Dr. Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, Scientology is known as one of the most controversial religions and has made headlines yet again after Frankie Jonas started a new TikTok trend.
What is Scientology?
By definition, Scientology is, “the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, universes and other life.”
Like Christianity, Scientology is another religion but instead of focusing on a God, those who practice focus on the science of the mind with the goal of spiritual enlightenment and freedom.
Those who believe in Scientology are known as Scientologist, they believe in an immortal spirit and in improving their spirit while on Earth.
The religion does not focus on a Heaven or Hell, instead it focuses on the spirit and mind.
Who created Scientology?
Scientology was created in the 1950s by American author and World War II veteran Hubbard.
Hubbard was known for writing books on Dianetics and in 1950, wrote Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, which is the basis of all Scientology.
Following the publication, Hubbard’s book became a best seller and was on the New York Times bestseller list for 28 consecutive weeks.
Prior to his death, Hubbard began studying the mind and spirit in 1923 and in 1938, published his manuscript entitled “Excalibur” in which the word Scientology first appeared.
Hubbard was born on March 13, 1911 and later died in January of 1986 and the age of 74.
2
How many people practice Scientology?
When the first Scientology church was open in 1954, it was met with backlash in regard to its legitimacy as those in the medical community have long challenged the ideas behind it.
“It’s part therapy, part religion, part UFO group,” David Bromley, a professor of religious studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, told CNN back in 2017. “It’s a mix of things that’s unlike any other religious group out there.”
Despite its reputation, CNN reported that the religion has over 10,000 churches, missions and groups that operate out of 167 countries.
In 2017, at least 4.4 million people were signing up every year.
Actress Leah Remini was also known for practicing the religion but in 2013, she announced that she had left the church and later released a book and documentary series about her experiences.
Like Remini, actress Laura Prepon had also practiced the religion until she revealed in August 2021 that she quit.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?