Church of Scientology - Timeline Event
Founder
L. Ron Hubbard
Time Period
1954
Description
The first Church of Scientology opened in Los Angeles In 1954, under the auspices of former science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986). Scientology’s teachings are based on his book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.
Hubbard’s book blames the "reactive mind" for a multitude of problems, from nightmares and fears to psychosomatic illnesses. Under his process, practitioners may reach a blissful "state of clear" by working with an "auditor." The goal is to learn to control "engrams," a mental record of pain and unconsciousness that could harken back to previous lives.
Often described as a fringe religion, Scientology has had a controversial history. The Internal Revenue Service, for example, did not approve the tax-exempt status given to recognized religious movements until 1993.
Among Scientology’s most high-profile members are actors John Travolta and Tom Cruise.
Hubbard’s book blames the "reactive mind" for a multitude of problems, from nightmares and fears to psychosomatic illnesses. Under his process, practitioners may reach a blissful "state of clear" by working with an "auditor." The goal is to learn to control "engrams," a mental record of pain and unconsciousness that could harken back to previous lives.
Often described as a fringe religion, Scientology has had a controversial history. The Internal Revenue Service, for example, did not approve the tax-exempt status given to recognized religious movements until 1993.
Among Scientology’s most high-profile members are actors John Travolta and Tom Cruise.
Interactive Timeline(s)
Browse Related Timeline Entries
Religious Groups
Timeline Entries for the same religious group: Other GroupsOther Groups: Other ARDA Links
Biographies
Hubbard, L. RonRelated Dictionary Terms
Church, New Religious MovementsPhotographs
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Los Angeles Church of Scientology- Flickr- photo by Scientology Media (CC BY-SA 2.0)
L Ron Hubbard in 1950- Wikimedia Commons- from Los Angeles Times photographic archive, UCLA Library
L Ron Hubbard conducting Dianetics seminar- Wikimedia Commons- from Los Angeles Times photographic archive, UCLA Library
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Scientology auditing, stress test- Flickr- photo by Matthieu Aubry (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
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Church of Scientology spiritual headquarters- Flickr- photo by Truth Revealed2012 (CC BY 2.0)
Book/Journal Source(s)
Benedict, Gerald, 2008. The Watkins Dictionary of Religions and Secular Faiths London: Watkins Publishing.Web Source(s)
https://www.lronhubbard.org/ron-series/profile/introduction.html?view-src=lrhL. Ron Hubbard biography
https://www.scientology.org/
Church of Scientology website
Web Page Contributor
Sandi DolbeeAffliated with: Former Religion and Ethics Editor, The San Diego Union-Tribune
