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
