Scientology

Scientology
Family	New religious movement
Origin region	United States
Founding period	Founded in the early 1950s CE
Estimated adherents	A global new religious movement; membership estimates vary widely and are disputed.

Scientology is scientology is a new religious movement founded by L. Ron Hubbard, teaching that humans are spiritual beings and using auditing, training, and organizational courses as central practices.

Overview

Scientology developed from Dianetics and the writings of L. Ron Hubbard. It presents humans as immortal spiritual beings, called thetans, and uses auditing and study courses to address spiritual barriers. Scientology is also the subject of significant public controversy involving legal disputes, organizational practices, and criticism from former members and governments.

Key beliefs

The thetan as an immortal spiritual being
The reactive mind and engrams in Dianetics terminology
Spiritual advancement through auditing and training
The Bridge to Total Freedom as a graded path
Ethics, communication, and self-improvement as major themes

Practices

Auditing sessions
Training routines and course study
Use of the E-meter in auditing contexts
Organizational service and dissemination
Ceremonies for naming, marriage, and funerals in some contexts

Places of worship

Church of Scientology organization
Mission or center
Auditing room and course room

Sacred texts

Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought
Writings and recorded lectures of L. Ron Hubbard

Holidays and observances

Founder-related observances
Dianetics anniversary events
Church organizational anniversaries

Branches and related traditions

Dianetics - The precursor self-help system from which Scientology developed.
Free Zone - Independent groups using Scientology-related practices outside the official Church.
New Religious Movements - A broad category for modern religions and religious organizations.