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L. Ron Hubbards Intentions Behind the Formation of the New Religious Movement, Scientology

July 15, 2025Literature4710
L. Ron Hubbards Intentions Behind the Formation of the New Religious M

L. Ron Hubbard's Intentions Behind the Formation of the New Religious Movement, Scientology

While L. Ron Hubbard did not initially set out to create a religion in the traditional sense, his journey eventually led to the establishment of Scientology as both a philosophy and a religion. This article explores the evolution of Hubbard's ideas and the formation of Scientology, as well as the significance of his key works in giving rise to this new movement.

From Scientific Inquiry to Religious Philosophy

Hubbard's journey into what would become Scientology began in 1923 with his studies and explorations into human consciousness and the nature of life. Initially, he did not aim to start a religion; instead, he aimed to understand and explain the human condition. In 1938, he coined the term 'Scientology' in an unpublished manuscript titled Excalibur. At that time, Scientology was the term he used to describe the study of knowing how to know, focusing on the structure of life and human consciousness.

The Breakthrough with Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health

It was not until 1950, with the publication of Hubbard's book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, that his ideas began to gain significant public traction. This seminal work provided a framework for understanding and addressing the mind's impact on human behavior, leading to its runaway success and the establishment of Dianetics organizations across the United States.

While Dianetics was initially viewed as a form of mental health therapy, its scope expanded beyond the psychological realm as Hubbard continued to delve into the spiritual dimensions of human experiences. Many individuals under Dianetic counseling reported encountering past-life experiences, which suggested the existence of a spiritual layer beyond the physical body.

The Transition into Religion

In 1951, Hubbard concluded that humans were spiritual beings living in physical bodies, a realization that marked a significant shift in his understanding. This led him to expand his research into Scientology, which he described as a practical method of making the self aware, beyond the realm of mental health. In his own words, 'I found out what was looking at the pictures. And described it. And found out that you could do things with it from a very practical standpoint that nobody had ever done before and found myself suddenly in the field of religion...'

The Formation of the Church of Scientology

The official establishment of Scientology as a religion occurred in 1954 with the formation of the first Church of Scientology in Los Angeles. This marked the transition of Hubbard's ideas from a scientific and philosophical framework into a full-fledged religious movement. While their initial intent was focused on mental health improvement, the inclusion of spiritual and metaphysical elements led to the creation of this new religious path.

Conclusion

L. Ron Hubbard's journey from scientific inquiry to religious philosophy is a testament to the evolution of ideas and beliefs. The formation of Scientology demonstrated how scientific and psychological insights can blend with spiritual and metaphysical concepts to transform into a groundbreaking new movement. While it originally began with a focus on mental health, it evolved into a comprehensive system that addresses the spiritual dimensions of human existence, attracting significant followers and shaping modern religious practices.