Scientology's story
1953-1954: a church
The first Scientology churches were incorporated in 1953 and 1954. The Creed, written by Hubbard, dates from 1954.
What happened
Hubbard incorporated the first churches in late 1953, and the Church of Scientology of California followed in 1954. The Creed of the Church of Scientology, written by Hubbard, was issued in 1954. The Church describes itself as an applied religious philosophy.
Scientology's own words
“an applied religious philosophy”
The Church of Scientology's description of itself (scientology.org)
Scientology's own words
“Man is basically good”
The Creed of the Church of Scientology (L. Ron Hubbard, 1954)
A Bible lens
The word church in the New Testament means the people Jesus calls out and gathers to himself, built on him as the cornerstone.
18I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 (WEB) · context
19So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, 20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
Ephesians 2:19-20 (WEB) · context
Sources
- Scientology source The Creed of the Church of Scientology (1954).
- Janet Reitman, Inside Scientology (2011).