Church of Scientology Lecture Notes
Overview
- Founded: December 1953 by L. Ron Hubbard
- Headquarters: Gold Base, Riverside County, California
- Current Leader: David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board RTC
- Website: scientology.org
Description
- The Church of Scientology is composed of interconnected corporate entities and organizations dedicated to Scientology.
- It is described as a cult, a business, or a new religious movement and has faced numerous controversies.
Legal and Governmental Issues
- In 1979, executives were convicted for offenses in the U.S.
- The Church was convicted of fraud in France in 2009, upheld in 2013.
- Classified variously around the world, e.g., a dangerous cult in Germany and France.
Organizational Structure
- Mother Church: Church of Scientology International (CSI)
- All management is controlled by members of the Sea Org, a dedicated core of Scientologists.
- The Religious Technology Center (RTC) holds the highest authority and trademarks.
Key Events in History
- 1950: L. Ron Hubbard began with Dianetics, leading to the creation of the Church of Scientology in 1953.
- 1954: Official announcement of Scientology as a religion.
- 1980s: Reorganization to avoid scrutiny, creating new corporations.
- 1986: David Miscavige took over leadership after Hubbard's death.
Service and Management Organizations
- Service Organizations: Offer auditing and auditor training.
- Missions operate as franchises to attract new members.
- Central orgs (Class V orgs) and Ideal orgs represent full-service centers.
- Management Organizations: Run by Sea Org members, including CST and RTC.
Criticism and Controversies
- The Sea Org is criticized for strict discipline, including forced labor (RPF).
- Controversies include high-level government infiltration and aggressive legal tactics.
- The organization's financial operations and tax-exempt status have been contentious.
Properties and Facilities
- Operates major centers like Gold Base and Flag Land Base.
- Owns numerous historic buildings and properties worldwide.
Media and Publishing
- Golden Era Productions: Produces Scientology media content.
- Bridge Publications: Publishes Scientology texts and materials.
- Scientology Media Productions and Network: Launched in 2018.
Social Programs and Front Groups
- Programs like Narconon and the Citizens Commission on Human Rights are linked to Scientology.
- Uses front groups to promote interests and recruit members.
Celebrity Involvement
- Active efforts to recruit celebrities to influence public perception.
- Operates Celebrity Centres for prominent individuals.
Membership and Expansion
- Membership numbers are often disputed; claims of millions are considered exaggerated.
- Efforts focus on constructing Ideal Orgs and acquiring properties.
Summary
The Church of Scientology is a complex organization with a controversial history involving legal issues, aggressive tactics, and disputed religious status. It operates globally with a structured network under strict leadership and engages in various social and media activities to expand its influence.