Chapter
The Origins of Scientology
49:18 - 55:10 (05:52)
This podcast episode explores the history of Scientology, tracing the religion back to its roots in the science fiction of L. Ron Hubbard and the practice of "auditing" past lives.
Clips
Elron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, encouraged franchise holders of Dianetics Foundation to turn their businesses into independent churches in 1954 after suggesting the idea of turning their science self-help empire into a religion in 1953.
49:18 - 51:35 (02:16)
Summary
Elron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, encouraged franchise holders of Dianetics Foundation to turn their businesses into independent churches in 1954 after suggesting the idea of turning their science self-help empire into a religion in 1953.
ChapterThe Origins of Scientology
EpisodePart Two: L. Ron Hubbard: The Greatest Con-Man In History
PodcastBehind the Bastards
L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, became increasingly paranoid and aggressive towards non-believers in his later years.
51:35 - 52:52 (01:17)
Summary
L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, became increasingly paranoid and aggressive towards non-believers in his later years. He encouraged believers to attack anyone practicing Scientology outside of the church and advised them to immediately sue for $100,000 and claim religious persecution if they were arrested for heckling non-believers or apostates.
ChapterThe Origins of Scientology
EpisodePart Two: L. Ron Hubbard: The Greatest Con-Man In History
PodcastBehind the Bastards
L. Ron Hubbard's invention of Scientology in the early 1950s involved a shift from semi-scientific discussions of Dianetics to lurid stories of past lives as aliens and famous historic figures.
52:52 - 53:54 (01:01)
Summary
L. Ron Hubbard's invention of Scientology in the early 1950s involved a shift from semi-scientific discussions of Dianetics to lurid stories of past lives as aliens and famous historic figures.
ChapterThe Origins of Scientology
EpisodePart Two: L. Ron Hubbard: The Greatest Con-Man In History
PodcastBehind the Bastards
In 1962, L. Ron Hubbard wrote a letter to President Kennedy stating that Scientology was the only way to train people for space flight, using their knowledge of their past lives as space travelers.
53:54 - 55:10 (01:16)
Summary
In 1962, L. Ron Hubbard wrote a letter to President Kennedy stating that Scientology was the only way to train people for space flight, using their knowledge of their past lives as space travelers. This inspired Hubbard to believe he could use his cult to gain political power.