Scientology

A 20th-century religion built on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard.

1954 CE · US, then worldwide · Modern & New

Scientology was founded in the 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard, developing from his self-help system Dianetics into a religion teaching that people are immortal spirits (thetans) burdened by past trauma across lifetimes. Its central practice, "auditing," aims to clear these burdens through structured counseling and study. Organized as a formal church, it remains one of the most debated of modern religious movements.

Key figures

• L. Ron Hubbard (founder)

Texts

• Dianetics & Hubbard’s writings

Beliefs

• The self as an immortal spirit (thetan)
• Past-life experience shaping the present
• Freeing the mind through structured practice

Rituals

• Auditing sessions
• Study and training courses

Connections in the atlas

• L. Ron Hubbard
• Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
• Flying saucer