Scientology

The Church of Scientology is a religion founded by science-fiction author L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s. Prominent Scientologists include Tom Cruise, Lisa Marie Presley, Kirstie Alley, Nancy Cartwright, Beck, Leah Remini and John Travolta.Los Angeles Times: The Courting of Celebrities

On May 29, 2009, a council of arbitrators for Wikipedia have ruled to ban any edits that come from URLs associated with the Church of Scientology. The 10-0 decision was made after a number of deceptive edits were made to Scientology-related pages on the open-souce encyclopedia.The Register: Wikipedia bans Church of Scientology (May 29, 2009)

The beliefs and techniques of Scientology comprise 18 books and 3,000 recorded lectures.

Scientologist spokespeople say that they are dedicated to rehabilitating the human spirit by providing counseling and rehabilitation programs. They claim that their teachings have saved people from depression, mental illness, cancer, addictions and other problems.Scientology.org: Scientology Effective Solutions

"Auditing," or spiritual counseling, is a core belief of Scientology. Their site describes the practice as "the term given to the spiritual counseling which is the central practice of Dianetics and Scientology," and writes that "[t]he goal of auditing is to restore individual ability. It is a precise, thoroughly codified activity with precise procedures." A Scientology member sits down with an auditor who analyzes their personal information by using an E-meter. The device measures the electrical resistance in the body which helps locate the areas of concern.Scientology Today: What is auditing? Scientology Today: Scientology FAQ

A new Scientology construction project is underway in Wyoming. Helicopters and up to 20 trucks a day have been bringing in construction materials and equipment, raising eyebrows an questions among local residents. According to public planners in Sweetwater County, the contractor has been hired to build a 22,000 feet underground storage vault to store documents. It's not completely clear what the documents will be, or if anything else will be stored at the facility. Surrounding neighbors are disturbed by the knowledge that some of the construction is taking place without the appropriate permits.FoxNews: Mysterious Scientology Project Raises Questions in Wyoming (February 10, 2009)

Scientology has grown controversial as many of its celebrity parishioners have put the religion in the public eye. The Washington Post alleges that the church does not divulge its core beliefs to the public and requires followers to pay over $300,000 before revealing many of its fundamental tenets.The Washington Post: Scientology (July 7, 2005)

Reports have said that Scientology has a policy where members are encouraged to disassociate from friends and family members who are not supportive of their involvement with the church.Mail Online: ...Tom Cruise...'World Number Two in Scientology' Tampabay: The Unperson (June 24, 2006)

Scientology is opposed to all psychiatric treatment and psychiatric medications.The Washington Post: Scientology