Conspirituality Bonus Sample: Scientology’s Sci-Fi Religion
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Feb 17, 2025 Explore the wild origins of Scientology, born from sci-fi writer L. Ron Hubbard's audacious prediction about wealth through religion. Discover the transformative impact of his death on the organization and the rise of David Miscavige as its controversial leader. Unpack the bizarre blend of self-help, pseudoscience, and alien mythology that captivated hundreds of thousands. Delve into the ongoing cultural debates surrounding its practices and the legacy of a man viewed by some as a prophet and by others as a fraud.
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Hubbard's Death and Miscavige's Rise
- L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology's founder, died in 1986 in a motorhome.
- David Miscavige, then 26, became the new head of Scientology, delivering a speech at the Hollywood Palladium.
Scientology's Calendar
- Miscavige used an idiosyncratic year, "AD 36," in his speech.
- "AD" stands for "After Dianetics," starting from 1950, the year Hubbard's book was published.
Scientology's Peak and Decline
- Miscavige was only 26 when he led Scientology, which had 100,000 members at its peak.
- After controversies and legal battles, membership has decreased to around 40,000.