Scientology Controversy

REL 205 – Religion and the Modern World
Assignment #5

What was/is the controversy surrounding the Church of Scientology in the past twenty or more years?

The Church of Scientology is no stranger to controversy and has been surrounded by them since its beginnings when it was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, in 1952. Hubbard was a successful science fiction writer and philosopher. In 1950, he wrote the self-help book, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, which many would say was the beginning of Scientology. The practice of Dianetics is the basis and forerunner of the Scientology religion. The official Dianetics website, dianetics.org, explains the practice as the following:
The word Dianetics comes from the Greek dia, meaning "through"
It is most accurately described as what the soul is doing to the body through the mind.

The word Scientology comes from the Latin scio which means “knowing, in the fullest meaning of the word” and the Greek word logos which mean “study of”. It technically means the study of knowledge or truth. The religion believes human beings are spiritual beings equipped to understand, save and even rehabilitate themselves and “knowing how to know” is how to do this. The goal of Scientology is to successfully live in the eight dynamics: Self, Creativity, Group Survival, Species, Life Forms, Life on the Planet, Spiritual, and Infinity/God. The Church of Scientology has been the center of many attacks from government agencies, anti-cult groups, media, and even ex-members. Most of the controversy stems from secrecy and complexity of its teachings making it one of the most least understood religions. The major controversies that surround the Church of Scientology regard the legitimacy of their founder L. Ron Hubbard himself, the high cost of their practices, treatment of its members, and their aggressive response to criticism and
Make it rough, rough on attackers all the way. You can get "reasonable about it" and lose. Sure we break no laws. Sure we have nothing to hide. BUT attackers are simply an anti-Scientology propaganda agency so far as we are concerned. They have proven they want no facts and will only lie no matter what they discover. So BANISH all ideas that any fair hearing is intended and start our attack with their first breath. Never wait. Never talk about us - only them. Use their blood, sex, crime to get headlines. Don't use us. I speak from 15 years of experience in this. There has never yet been an attacker who was not reeking with crime. All we had to do was look for it and murder would come out.
—Attacks on Scientology, "Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter," 25 February 1966 As a new religion it is not shocking that the Church of Scientology has been under so much scrutiny. And at least in the United States they deserve all rights to the religious freedoms that our country offers. However, it is not their rights of freedom or even their beliefs that are so controversial. It is the dishonesty and denials, the harmful practices, the mistreatment of human life, and inappropriate behavior and actions of the church that draw controversy. And as long as they continue so will the