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[[File:Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.jpg|thumb|Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.]]

[[File:Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.jpg|thumb|Supernatural-Scientology-Cross.]]

'''Scientology''' is an international cult established in the [[United States]] by [[L. Ron Hubbard]] in 1954, ''drawing on ideas from [[Buddhist]] and [[Hindu]] religious philosophy, science fiction, and Western concepts in psychology and science.'' <ref> [http://www.abundantgraceministries.org/new_page_5.htm From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.] </ref> He introduced his ideas in ''Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health'', his seminal work on the subject, in 1950. ''Dianetics'' showed readers how they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self or soul that passes through countless reincarnations across trillions of years), and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy.  <ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Scientology/index.aspx Scientology Basics]</ref>

'''Scientology''' is an international movement / religion established in the [[United States]] by [[L. Ron Hubbard]] in 1954, ''drawing on ideas from [[Buddhist]] and [[Hindu]] religious philosophy, science fiction, and Western concepts in psychology and science.'' <ref> [http://www.abundantgraceministries.org/new_page_5.htm From Science Fiction to Space-age Religion.] </ref> He introduced his ideas in ''Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health'', his seminal work on the subject, in 1950. ''Dianetics'' showed readers how they could rid themselves of negative past experiences, called "engrams", to live happier lives. Later Hubbard refined his ideas and moved toward a structured system of belief involving the human soul, or "thetan" (each person's spiritual self or soul that passes through countless reincarnations across trillions of years), and the origins of life and the universe. The organization has often been the subject of extreme controversy.  <ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Scientology/index.aspx Scientology Basics]</ref>

Unlike [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], or [[Judaism]], there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles. ''The Way to Happiness'' is a 1980 booklet that lists 21 moral precepts. ''Piece by piece, his teachings are revealed to church members through a progression of sometimes secret courses that take years to complete and cost tens of thousands of dollars.'' <ref> [http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-scientologysidea062490,0,7631220,full.story Defining the Theology.] </ref>

Unlike [[Christianity]], [[Islam]], or [[Judaism]], there is no single definitive text having authority. Instead, there are multiple books, read by adherents to increase their understanding of Scientology principles. ''The Way to Happiness'' is a 1980 booklet that lists 21 moral precepts. ''Piece by piece, his teachings are revealed to church members through a progression of sometimes secret courses that take years to complete and cost tens of thousands of dollars.'' <ref> [http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-scientologysidea062490,0,7631220,full.story Defining the Theology.] </ref>