SCIENTOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS

Scientology is a hot topic. Since the release of the HBO documentary Going Clear which critically examines the religion, the internet has not stopped writing about it. Scientology is especially known for its famous followers like Tom Cruise and John Travolta and has always been controversial, but why exactly?

History
The Church of Scientology was founded in 1953 by American novelist and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The new religion followed his self-help book Dianetics with which people could spiritually and mentally elevate themselves to a higher level. Within the church, there are different levels to achieve. The select group, including Tom Cruise, that has reached the highest level is said to have developed telekinetic and telepathic powers.

Starfuckers
According to the Church of Scientology itself, they have about 15 million followers worldwide. In reality, this number is only around 500,000. This includes at least Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Beck, Jenna Elfman, Priscilla Presley, and a long list of other celebrities. This is anything but coincidence. The Church of Scientology has always sought to win famous souls. L. Ron realized early on the attraction film and pop stars had on the public, and the church welcomes these types with open arms. Once inside, they can expect a special treatment for example at the specially designed Celebrity Center in Hollywood.

Aliens
That founder L. Ron is a science fiction writer surprises no one when you dive a little deeper into what the religion actually believes about the origin of the world. It involves an alien dictator named Xenu who crashed on Earth 75 million years ago with his spaceship, and the Thetans, or immortal spirits of these aliens, are said to still trouble humanity.

Anti-psychiatry
With his work Dianetics L. Ron intended to have it published in a serious medical publication. However, his method did not receive the recognition from the medical world that he hoped for, much to the writer's anger. Within Scientology, there is a strong aversion to psychiatry, especially the use of medication is seen as something ‘barbaric’ and could supposedly be solved perfectly with the methods available through Scientology.

Sect or Corporation?
In the US, Scientology was established as a church and still enjoys the significant tax benefits that come with it. In the Netherlands, Spain, and Australia, Scientology is also a church, but in Sweden, the organization is simply seen as a business and in France and Germany as a sect. The sale of books and courses within the church functions like a kind of pyramid scheme that earns a lot of money.

Missing Woman
The wife of Scientology leader David Miscavige has not been seen in public since 2006. Her absence was the reason for actress Leah Remini to report her missing to the police when she left the church last year. According to insiders, the wife of the great leader spends her years in one of the notorious labor camps after she allegedly made some missteps.