Scientology

Started by L. Ron Hubbard (LRH) in 1952, Scientology is a fairly recent and newly developed religion. It relies on its celebrity members to keep up the hype, including Tom Cruise who happily promotes the religion.

Tom Cruise giving a speech at the opening of a new church in Madrid, 2004.

Considering the fact the religion was created as an escape from government interference and taxation, it has quite a steady following according to its website. However, despite this, it is still striving towards monetary goals with everything costing money.

"Scientology is a religion in its highest meaning, as it helps bring Man to total freedom and truth."

The way in which the main concept of the religion is worded on the website seems to allude to American ideologies, namely with the reference to 'freedom'. This idea that Man's capabilities are unlimited and this religion can bring you to 'total freedom' is a very American ideal. This shows how the 'religion' has been catered to appeal to many Americans, bringing in more money to the organisation.

What is Scientology?

The above video boasts over 4.4 million new people every year, and one new church or mission opening every twenty-four hours to promote its worldwide effect on people. It brings new ideas of the 'Thetan' and being that indeed make you question whether or not it could be a possibility, however at the foundations of these ideas is L. Ron Hubbard. 

L. Ron Hubbard was a man who made a religion because he saw the money in it, many people would try and deny this however fundamentally that is what he did. He wrote books and spoke at lectures that you have to pay to be able to read and listen to, and the only way you can move towards enlightening yourself is through the idea of 'pyramid selling' that is illegal in the U.S. hence why he made it a religion, and used the first amendment to protect himself and make more profit.

The so-called 'religion' is more of a organisation and cooperation than a religion as no other religion makes it a requirement for you to pay to be a part of it, something that completely devalues the idea of complete 'freedom' and 'truth' that it promises.