Scientology

Scientology is a system of beliefs, teachings and rituals, originally established as an alternative psychotherapy in 1951 by science-fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, then recharacterized by him in 1953 as an "applied religious philosophy."

Related Topics:
Psychotherapy - 1951 - L. Ron Hubbard - 1953 - Religious

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The term Scientology is a trademark of the Religious Technology Center, which licenses its use and the copyrighted works of Hubbard to the controversial Church of Scientology. The Church presents itself as a religious non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging development of the human spirit, and providing counseling and rehabilitation programs as an alternative to psychiatry, which Scientologists believe to be a barbaric and corrupt profession http://www.scientology.org/en_US/religion/heritage/pg011.html. Church spokespeople attest Hubbard's teachings (called "technology" or "tech") has freed them from addictions, depression, learning disabilities, mental disorders and other problems.

Related Topics:
Trademark - Religious Technology Center - License - Copyright - Church of Scientology - Non-profit organization - Psychiatry

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However, the Church has attracted much controversy and criticism, and claims about Scientology are sharply contradicted. Critics — including government officials of various countries — have characterized the Church as an unscrupulous commercial organization, and it is often described as a cult that harasses critics and exploits its members. Critics also argue many of the Church's most controversial actions are a direct reflection of Hubbard's Scientology teachings.

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Despite the similarity of names, there is no connection between Scientology and the Church of Christ, Scientist, better known as "Christian Science".

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