Scientology: Religion of the Stars
Airing on
Probe Radio
January
18-22 |
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Don Closson —
Depending on your perspective, Scientology was either discovered or invented by the successful pulp and science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. He and his followers claimed to have uncovered deep secrets of the mind and spirit. But while adherents say Hubbard's discoveries can eradicate most of what ails humanity, critics argue that Hubbard invented a new religion with the same creative mind that fashioned popular works of science fiction. Hubbard's critics add that this new religion was formulated to make its founder and close associates very wealthy.
The details of Hubbard's life are highly contentious. The Church of Scientology offers a version that is remarkable in every way. According to the Church, Hubbard was studying Shakespeare and Greek philosophy soon after he learned to read. By age six, he had become a blood brother of the Blackfoot Indians and had learned their tribal secrets and legends, an honor that supposedly few white men could claim. The Church of Scientology also maintains that he became the youngest Eagle Scout ever, and by age nineteen had traveled over a quarter of a million miles to China, Japan, Guam, the Philippines, and other countries.{1} By his late teens they claim that he had absorbed the philosophies of the East. These facts are questioned by Hubbard's critics who have posted their counter-evidence on the Web and in published materials.
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| MEET THE AUTHOR |
 DON CLOSSON
"It has been said that mankind is incurably religious in nature. The success of Scientology to attract thousands of followers around the world is evidence of this maxim. When I first ran across bits and pieces of L. Ron Hubbard’s religious beliefs I thought, “This can’t possibly be accurate.” But the more I looked into Hubbard’s story the more fantastic it became. Sadly, many highly educated professionals have been deceived into joining the Church of Scientology. People are desperate to find meaning and purpose in life, and will even turn to science fiction to fill their empty hearts."
Don Closson is Director of Administration and research associate for Probe. He has a B.S. in education and an M.S. in educational administration, and the M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Before joining Probe, Don served as a public school teacher and administrator.
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