Scientology & the Internet
Ever since its introduction into society, the internet has played a crucial role in the development of religion. The internet offers many beneficial services for all religions. It is a technology that can be used to spread religious beliefs, to practice religious rituals, and to congregate with other people who share similar or contrasting beliefs. However, the internet can also serve as a tool that negatively affects a religion. The Church of Scientology is no exception when it comes to the impact of the internet. The relationship that Scientology has with the internet is very prominent. The controversy that has been surrounding Scientology since it originated in 1952 has followed its transformation over the internet. The internet's main influence on the Church of Scientology, which has been heavily debated, is the impact on the Church's credibility in terms of its beliefs and practices.
Scientology
Scientology was first introduced in 1952 under the provisions of science-fiction author, L. Ron Hubbard. The beliefs and practices of Scientology are based on Hubbard's earlier piece of literature, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. The Church of Scientology was established and defined as a religion by Hubbard in 1953. Throughout the 1950's and 60's Scientology expanded rapidly through the United States and also went international.
Founder: L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard (March 13, 1911 - January 24, 1986, was the sole founder of the Church of Scientology and is responsible for the religion's fundamental beliefs and practices. Although best known for his work in Dianetics and Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard was also a science-fiction auther, although not highly acclaimed. Hubbard serviced in World War II as a Junior Lieutenant, most noted for being in charge of a cruise vessel. Hubbard married three times and had three children. L. Ron Hubbard spent most of his life dedicated to the Church of Scientology and was considered to be a very controversial public figure. Followers of Scientology were the majority of his supporters, while the rest of the public negatively characterized him. It is claimed that L. Ron Hubbard, at the time of his death, was worth over two-hundred million dollars.
