"Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion."
Sounds like a scheme, right? These words, however, did not come from some obscure conman. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, uttered that axiom at a science fiction authors' convention in 1947. A few short years later, in 1950, Hubbard published the book Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health. Then in 1954, the first Church of Scientology was founded in Los Angeles, California, this book its key source of enlightenment and instruction, and Hubbard its prophet.
Over the years Scientology gained a following, yet today remains little-known to the general public. When mentioned in conversation and other forms of dialogue, many wonder, "What is Scientology, exactly? Where did it come from? What does it believe? Who started it?" Others who have heard a little about the religion, have a different set of questions: "Why so much controversy? What's the big deal about Tom Cruise? Who are all those people in masks? Can't we all just get along?" These questions contain heavy answers, which cannot be satisfied fully in a succinct manner. However a basic overview of the history of L. Ron Hubbard, the beliefs and growth of the Church, as well as opposition it has face and cases of alleged abuse and human rights violations, would be beneficial and inspire more research on behalf of the public into this matter. Such an investigation would begin to unveil and unravel the mystery that is Scientology, and may lead to an awakening in the hearts of citizens about the crimes and dangers of this organization.
Sounds like a scheme, right? These words, however, did not come from some obscure conman. L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, uttered that axiom at a science fiction authors' convention in 1947. A few short years later, in 1950, Hubbard published the book Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health. Then in 1954, the first Church of Scientology was founded in Los Angeles, California, this book its key source of enlightenment and instruction, and Hubbard its prophet.
Over the years Scientology gained a following, yet today remains little-known to the general public. When mentioned in conversation and other forms of dialogue, many wonder, "What is Scientology, exactly? Where did it come from? What does it believe? Who started it?" Others who have heard a little about the religion, have a different set of questions: "Why so much controversy? What's the big deal about Tom Cruise? Who are all those people in masks? Can't we all just get along?" These questions contain heavy answers, which cannot be satisfied fully in a succinct manner. However a basic overview of the history of L. Ron Hubbard, the beliefs and growth of the Church, as well as opposition it has face and cases of alleged abuse and human rights violations, would be beneficial and inspire more research on behalf of the public into this matter. Such an investigation would begin to unveil and unravel the mystery that is Scientology, and may lead to an awakening in the hearts of citizens about the crimes and dangers of this organization.
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