• Religion -> Eastern Religions and New Religions

• 0 Comment

How has Scientology evolved since its founding in the 1950s?

Cassandra Mannie

Scientology is a religious movement that was founded by American science fiction writer, L. Ron Hubbard, in the 1950s. Since its inception, Scientology has undergone several changes, both in terms of its beliefs and practices, as well as its public image.

Prior to delving into the evolution of Scientology, it is important to provide some background on the religion. Scientology's core beliefs revolve around the concept that humans are immortal, spiritual beings who have lived through countless past lives. The goal of Scientology is to help individuals recognize their innate spiritual nature and overcome any impediments that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Scientology gained a considerable following, with many celebrities becoming devotees of the religion. However, the organization's practices came under scrutiny, with numerous allegations of fraud and abuse being levied against it. One of the primary criticisms against Scientology has been its secrecy and the practice of "disconnecting," where members are encouraged to sever ties with anyone who is critical of the religion.

Despite these criticisms, Scientology continued to grow, and in the 1980s, it launched a massive public relations campaign to improve its image. The organization began to focus on outreach efforts, such as the establishment of community centers and the promotion of drug rehabilitation programs.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Scientology began to expand internationally, with an increasing presence in Europe and Latin America. The religion also began to attract controversy due to its aggressive legal tactics, with numerous lawsuits being filed against individuals and organizations critical of Scientology.

More recently, the evolution of Scientology has been shaped by the death of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, in 1986, and the ascension of David Miscavige as the leader of the organization. Under Miscavige's leadership, Scientology has continued to expand its reach and influence, with an increasing focus on digital media. The organization has launched numerous websites and social media accounts to promote its message and attract new followers.

In terms of its beliefs and practices, Scientology has continued to evolve, with new programs and courses being introduced on a regular basis. The organization has also faced renewed scrutiny in recent years, with a number of high-profile exposes being published in the media.

In conclusion, the evolution of Scientology has been a complex and often controversial process. While the religion has undergone significant changes since its founding in the 1950s, its core beliefs and practices remain unchanged. Despite facing numerous controversies and challenges over the years, Scientology has managed to maintain its status as a recognizable and influential religious movement.