Feature Ron Hubbard’s Scientology Jim Donald’s Jimianity Sacred/Foundational Text Essentially, everything written by None, or none declared. Hubbard, aside from his Sci-Fi novels. The fundamental book is Dianetics. Official Manifesto Several “Codes” written by Hubbard. None, or none declared. The primary ones are the Code of the Scientologist and the Auditor’s Code. Number of Followers Between 100,000 and 200,000 Jim’s blog has approximately 20 regular worldwide. (Between 25,000 and commenters who can be considered 55,000 in the US alone) followers. Dozens of sporadic commenters. Organization The Church of Scientology. Has a strict None. hierarchical structure, leadership centered around the Sea Organization, with David Miscavige currently at the top. Charismatic Leader Now deceased Lafayette Ron Hubbard, None, as Jim’s identity is anonymous, and a Sci-Fi writer, a very prolific author his public persona is wholly separate from generally, who’s also delivered many his pseudonym. lectures about his ideas. Appeared in his own public persona. Cultural/Academic Familiar from many references in Familiar among the Dark Enlightenment Recognition popular culture, maintains a high internet sub-culture. profile among celebrities. Has been written about at some length by scholars of modern religions. State/Legal Recognition Is recognized as a legitimate religion in None. many countries, including the US. In other countries it is more correctly classified as a cult or some other type of organization, and subject to law accordingly. Notable Current/Former A whole bunch of Hollywood None. Has influenced Curtis Yarvin and Adherents celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and Nick Land, though. Jerry Seinfeld. Claim to Authority Intellectual revelation by Hubbard. Evolutionary Psychology, Natural Law, Claims to have reconnected with Game Theory, the Bible. ancient extra-terrestrial spirits and his own eternal spirit, aka his “Thetan.” Plus, supposed revelations by people undergoing sessions. A lot of wishful thinking. Spaces Occupied All the buildings claimed by the Church None. of Scientology. Economic Model Hefty sums paid by the members for None. participation in the Church’s various activities, plus donations. Mode of Transmission Active strategy. Very aggressive Passive strategy. Friends and foes post evangelism by Church members; the links to the blog on various websites of public is invited to take courses, their own volition. participate in sessions, buy books, listen to lectures, and other marketing methods. Time Since Foundation Started in the early 1950s, so has been Technically, not yet founded. The blog has going on for 70+ years. been on since the early 2,000s. Praxis Long hours spent taking the Church’s Participation in the blog’s comment courses, brainwashing sessions and section. (Non-mandatory) techniques, studying Hubbard’s texts, and some charity work. Global Outreach Hubbard’s writings have been Exclusively English-language content. translated to many languages. The Church operates worldwide. Is it Actually a Religion? No, it’s a combination of dubious self- No, more of a political worldview. help techniques, con-artistry, and Sci- Fi, packaged in a cult model.
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