Scientology (Noun)
Meaning
A new religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1955 and characterized by a belief in the power of a person's spirit to clear itself of past painful experiences through self-knowledge and spiritual fulfillment.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The controversy surrounding Scientology has led many to question its legitimacy as a recognized religion.
- Critics of the church have accused its leaders of using aggressive recruitment tactics and financially exploiting its members in the name of advancing the cause of Scientology.
- Although the exact methods behind it remain shrouded in mystery, the central premise of Scientology is to help believers find spiritual liberation from their emotional pain.
- Many celebrities, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta, have publicly professed their support for the principles of Scientology.
- Scholars have long debated the extent to which Scientology fulfills the criteria for a genuine spiritual movement versus an elaborate money-making scheme.