#170: A Brief History of Scientology

It is, by some standards, the most successful modern religion.

Discover how Scientology went from the pseudo-medical ideas of an out-of-luck science fiction writer to a religion that counts some of the world's most famous film stars among its believers.

• The early life of L. Ron Hubbard • Discovering a talent as a science fiction writer • L. Ron Hubbard's naval career • Moving to Los Angeles and developing a self-help system • The publication of Dianetics, a book that contained "more promises and less evidence per page than any publication since the invention of printing" • L. Ron Hubbard's theory about how the brain worked • Turning Dianetics into a religion • Charging large amounts of money to believers • Making extravagant purchases all over the world • Scientology's legal troubles • Launching the Sea Org • Adding to the doctrine of Scientology • The disappearance and death of L. Ron Hubbard • David Miscavige: a new leader arises • How many Scientologists are there? • Advertising at The Super Bowl • Hollywood Scientologists: Tom Cruise & John Travolta • Criticisms of Scientology • Scientology's tax battle in the United States • What actually is a religion?

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/scientology

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