Scientology

1954-present

"Scientology follows a long tradition of religious practice. Its roots lie in the deepest beliefs and aspirations of all great religions, thus encompassing a religious heritage as old and as varied as man himself. Though drawing upon the wisdom of some 50,000 years, Scientology is a new religion, one which has isolated fundamental laws of life and, for the first time, developed a workable technology that can be applied to help one achieve a happier and more spiritual existence. Scientology is therefore something one does, not merely something one believes in � an important point which will be greatly clarified as you continue reading. That Scientology�s development and rapid promulgation was made possible, in part, by advances in the physical sciences through the first half of the twentieth century is significant. Scientology constitutes man�s first real application of scientific methodology to spiritual questions." [reference]
Scientology (official website)

Contrarian views

"L. Ron Hubbard was a successful sci-fi [science fiction] writer before starting his own church in 1954. (It wasn't officially recognized as a religion unti the early 1990s.) He, too, professed to be in contact with 'higher beings' and supposedly based a number of his writings on 'transmissions from the heavens.' Nonetheless, the church portends [sic] to be a 'scientific' enterprise that attempts to return people back to their 'pure' states -- otherwise known as Operating Theatans (OTs). Through such 'scientific' practices as TR drills, engram recognition and the exorcising of psychological implants, members ultimately learn how to blame all their problems on mysterious, outside forces (namely the head of the galactic federation, Xenu). They also learn that every aspect of their lives -- including those around them -- can be tightly manipulated and controlled. With that in mind, it's not surprising that the organization has been known to go after detractors with vicious, unrelented attacks, FBI-inspired snooping, massive law suits, and outright physical violence." -- [Paul Young, L.A. Exposed: Strange Myths and Curious Legends in the City of Angels (New York: Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Griffin, 2002): 184.

Operation Clambake: The fight against the Church of Scientology on the Net

(created 17 December 2002)
SITE and LINKS UNDER (perpetual) CONSTRUCTION
(last updated 5 January 2005)
SOURCES INCLUDE: