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The Creation
L. Ron Hubbard writes a book called “Excalibur” which contains ideas incorporated into Dianetics and, later, the start of Scientology. -
The Idea
His work is published and appears in the Winter/Spring issue of The Explorers Journal entitled "Terra Incognita: The Mind". During this time he offers his information to American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Both organizations ended up rejecting his ideas, but he did not stop there. -
Hubbard and Cambell
Ron Hubbard and his new business partner John W. Campbell form a Dianetic Research Foundation. -
The Birth Of Scientology
Ron Hubbard announces the establishment of the philosophy of Scientology and the formation of the Hubbard Association of Scientologists, demonstrates the E-meter (a device invented by him thats shows emotional reactions), and moves to Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is now considered the "birthplace of Scientology”. -
Church of Scientology
The “Church of Scientology” is built in New Jersey and continues to spread throughout the U.S. -
Raided and Banned
The US Food and Drug Administration raided the Church of Scientology and took around 100 of the Church's E-meters and declared them as illegal medical devices. The devices are now required to carry a disclaimer saying that they are a purely religious artifact. They are used in a Scientology counseling technique known as "auditing".
Scientology is now banned in many Australian states. -
Caught!
The IRS strips the Church of Scientology in California, Scientology's headquarters, of its tax-exempt status. They claim Ron Hubbard has been hoarding the money instead of using it for religious purposes as he claimed. -
FBI Raids
“As a result of FBI raids, eleven senior people in the church's Guardian's Office were convicted of obstructing justice, burglary of government offices, and theft of documents and government property.” The FBI has raided multiple locations and has proven them for fraud. -
Clearwater
In Clearwater, there were protests held to prevent Scientology from coming to their town but it failed. Now in Clearwater they hold hearings to explain how it’s a religion and NOT a cult. -
Death of L. Ron Hubbard
L. Ron Hubbard dies on his ranch. -
Guilty!
The Church of Scientology is found guilty on two counts of breach of the public trust in Ontario, Canada in R. v. Church of Scientology of Toronto and fined $250,000. Seven members are also convicted. -
Scandal after Scandal
On November 21, 1996, there was this guy named Don Jason, who used to be a high-ranking officer in Scientology. He managed to escape from their ship, the Freewinds, in the Bahamas by jumping off it. Since he had already left the church earlier that year, they wouldn't let him leave the ship and took his passport. But he made a quick escape by jumping into a taxi, accidentally closing the door on a guard's hand, and shouting to the driver that he was being held against his will. -
Approval from Sweden
The government of Sweden declares that the Church of Scientology is a charitable, non-profit organization with a religious purpose. A year later, the Church's ministers are granted the right to perform marriages, completing official recognition as a church in Sweden. -
Current Day
Currently, Scientology still exists in some states and countries, even though it’s been through trial after trail. Trails ranging between tax fraud and manslaughter. Do you think it’s a valid religion?