The Church of Scientology was founded in 1954 by L. Ron Hubbard, a former science fiction writer. The belief system doesn't present itself as a "religion," but as a "technology" that leads people to "true spiritual release and freedom." Scientology does not emphasize particular beliefs about God or other traditional religious topics, yet it calls itself "The Church of Scientology" and presents many of its teachings in spiritual and religious terms. Its teachings are highly controversial, with some regarding it as a dangerous religious cult or deceptive financial scam.
When it comes to Scientology, many people want to know: Is it a cult or a religion? And why do so many celebrities, like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, subcribe to Scientology beliefs? And what do adherents believe about God, the universe, people, the spiritual realm, and the afterlife? And what are their values, traditions, and ethics?
The table of contents below will direct you to various topics on Scientology, from their beliefs to their history to their practices to their symbols and much more.
## Scientology beliefs, practices, history, and more
