Since the dawn of time, religion has guided humanity through both war and peaceful times. Periodically, a new religion with new prophets and new rules comes along with a handful of followers who sometimes progress into something much more than just a handful. This is the case with Scientology.

According to the official website of Scientology at Scientology.org, L. Ron Hubbard, founded Scientology with the publication of his bestselling book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. (Dianetics is a word derived from the Greek words “dia nous” meaning “through mind and soul.”) In this book, Hubbard explains basic key points that sum up the religion:

• Man is an immortal spiritual being
• His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime
• His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized

According to Hubbard’s book, Scientologists also believe that humans are “basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself, his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.”

While the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religions follow the belief that God, Yahweh, or Allah (all the same diety under different names) brought people to this Earth after creating life itself, the religion of Scientology takes quite a different view of the creation of humans. Although present-day Scientologists try to avoid open discussion on this subject, it is well known and reported by a multitude of credible sources that the foundation  of this religion is built on the belief that Xenu, an extra-terrestrial dictator (or, in other words, an alien) brought billions of human beings to Earth in a spacecraft approximately 75 million years ago, and all of those people were then murdered. Scientologists believe that the essence of these people cause spiritual harm to people of current day life.

The basics of Scientology are commonly known. The fun facts, however, are what spark attention. Scientologists don’t believe in reincarnation, but they do believe that humans are born again from a past life (possibly ones of those killed by Xenu 75 million years ago). The followers of Scientology also believe that heaven and hell are reflected in future life. They believe that how one acts in the current life will reflect in the future life. Also, Scientologists believe that the human spirit can moderate injury, trauma or discomfort by connecting the body and spirit through communication.

The Church of Scientology allows members to partake in detoxification, which includes the use of saunas, exercise, vitamins, and the drinking of oils. According to telegraph.co.uk, Katie Holmes, actress and wife of Scientologist Tom Cruise, was not allowed to make any noise when giving birth to child Suri. (Cruise was also rumored to have consumed Holmes’s placenta after the birth of Suri under ruling of the Church of Scientology.)

The fun facts, however, do not end here. Scientologists believe that they can cure drug addicts and have rehabilitation programs called “narconon” (meaning “no drugs”) in over 40 different countries. Scientologists also have a program known as “criminon” (meaning no crime). This is an attempt to cure criminals from their wrong-doing.

What really seems to spark public attention about the religion is who is ultimately involved in it. The Telegraph.co.uk tells us that renowned celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kristie Alley, Lisa Marie Presley, and Will Smith have ties to the religion of Scientology.

According to Telegraph.co.uk, the anti-Scientologist side claims that a woman (a former Scientology member) claimed to be held against her will for 12 years onboard the MV Freewinds, a cruise ship used by Scientologists for its most dedicated members. As a result of this, an Australian senator said that Scientology is a “criminal organization” full of “embezzlement and blackmail.”

The tenants of Scientology certainly are controversial, but all religions have faced some form of controversy at some time. To learn more about the religion, information can be found by reading the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard or by visiting the website at www.scientology.org.