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."

Celebrity practitioners

The Church of Scientology has concertedly attempted to convert artists and entertainers -- they have special recruitment facilities for public figures designated "celebrity centers." They can be found in Hollywood, New York, Nashville, Las Vegas, London, Paris, and Vienna, though Hollywood is the largest and most important. Publicity has been generated by Scientologists in the entertainment industry such as John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Tom Cruise, and his converted fiancée Katie Holmes. Cruise became known as an outspoken Scientologist in 2005, publicly criticizing Brooke Shields on national television for her use of anti-depressants in recovering from postpartum depression.

Related Topics:
Hollywood - New York - Nashville - Las Vegas - London - Paris - Vienna - John Travolta - Kirstie Alley - Tom Cruise - Katie Holmes - 2005 - Brooke Shields - Anti-depressant - Postpartum depression

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On June 24 2005, Cruise spoke to Today Show host Matt Lauer on the dangers of psychiatry and antidepressants during a promotional interview for his film War of the Worlds. His intent may have backfired as late night comedians and morning radio programs frequently commented about Cruise's passionate frustration at Lauer's perceived lack of knowledge and respect for the topic's severity and mocked him as a radical celebrity. Despite the public backlash received, Cruise certainly rallied the faithful and exposed Scientology in a way that would have been difficult to attain otherwise.

Related Topics:
June 24 - 2005 - Today Show - Matt Lauer - War of the Worlds

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See List of famous Scientologists.

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