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