RSS FeedsThe Scientology Story: Six-Part Series
From a life haunted by emotional and financial troubles, L. Ron Hubbard brought forth Scientology. He achieved godlike status among his followers, and his death has not deterred the church's efforts to reach deeper into society.
What is Scientology?
The Church of Scientology today is run by a high-school dropout who grew up at the knee of the late L. Ron Hubbard and wields power with the iron-fisted approach of his mentor.
It began with the title of a fairy tale -- Snow White.
Scientology is determined that the words of L. Ron Hubbard shall live forever.
Behind the religious trappings, the Church of Scientology is run like a lean, no-nonsense business in which potential members are called "prospects," "raw meat" and "bodies in the shop."
The church has adopted the terminology and trappings of traditional theologies. But the IRS is not convinced.
Testimonials of the famous are prominent in the church's push for acceptability. John Travolta and Kirstie Alley are the current headliners.
Doris Braine says the transformation of her Patty Jo was heartbreaking.
Emerging from years of internal strife and public scandal, the Scientology movement has embarked on a sweeping and sophisticated campaign to gain new influence in America.
From politicians to the leaders of business, the courts and the media, the church works to win allies to smooth the way for expansion.
The Scientology movement's Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education has befriended one of America's most celebrated teachers, Jaime Escalante of Garfield High School.
Call it one of the most remarkable success stories in modern publishing history.
"Never treat a war like a skirmish. Treat all skirmishes like wars." --L. Ron Hubbard
As part of its strategy, the movement created a nationwide uproar over the drug Ritalin, used to treat hyperactive children.
THE BATTLE WITH THE I.R.S.
The Church of Scientology hates "squirrels."
THE BATTLE WITH THE I.R.S.
Among its many adversaries, the Church of Scientology's longest-running feud has been with the Internal Revenue Service. So far, neither combatant has blinked.
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