Let's Be Clear: We Love Scientology - February 18, 2008

It's hard to know when a religion "begins." It's not like Moses thought, "I think I'll start Judaism today," or Gautama Buddha set out to achieve enlightenment at exactly 3:15 p.m., April 23, 533 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 more than 15 million. Many of the beliefs that Hubbard espoused may seem a little outré, but that hasn't stopped such Celebritologists as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Will Smith, and Elisabeth Moss from apparently 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.