Scientology's poster boy, Tom Cruise; (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris, Wireimage.com) It's hard to know when a religion "begins." It's not like Moses thought, "I think I'll start Judaism today," or Brahman achieved enlightenment at exactly 3:15 p.m., April 23, 722 BCE. The Church of Scientology is no exception. L. Ron Hubbard published "Dianetics" in 1950, and the Church itself was operating as early as 1952, but Hubbard didn't legally incorporate it until February 18, 1954. So when did it "start"? Regardless, in the years since, Scientology has come into its share of controversy, with some dismissing it as a cult and others (mainly from the Church) hailing it as "the fastest growing religion in the world." How fast it's growing is anyone's guess, though, as estimates of adherents range anywhere from mere thousands to over 15 million. Many of the beliefs that Hubbard espoused are outré, but that hasn't stopped such Celebritologists as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Will Smith, and Beck from signing up and urging others to do likewise. While we'd never want to mock someone's religious beliefs -- especially considering how litigious the Scientology legal staff is -- we also feel we must note how some things are just ripe for parody. Suggested Sites... Scientology.org - the Church's official site. Don't let the registered trademark scare you off. L . Ron Hubbard.org - home of the Church's commanding officer. Dianetics - so just what does that exploding volcano mean? The Truth About Scientology - an opposing view. Rolling Stone: Inside Scientology - a peak behind the curtain.

Directory categories: Scientology, Scientology - Opposing Views, Religion and Spirituality, L. Ron Hubbard, Religious Faiths and Practices

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