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Series:   Elements in New Religious Movements

L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology Studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 June 2022

Donald A. Westbrook
Donald A. Westbrook
Affiliation:
San Jose State University

Summary

This Element surveys the history and practice of Scientology studies over the past sixty years and offers resources for scholars and students moving forward. Section 1 reviews the history of academic research on the subject from 1958 to the present day. Section 2 draws on the author's fieldwork with the Church of Scientology to illuminate how founder L. Ron Hubbard (1911–86) is viewed among contemporary members. Section 3 considers Hubbard's influence and legacy in terms of the church sites and institutions that exist today in connection with the soteriological 'Bridge to Total Freedom.' Section 4 introduces English-language archival resources and their strengths. Section 5 proposes some open areas for Scientology researchers. Finally, glossaries of terms and appendices are included with major dates in Hubbard's life and Scientology research and bibliographical information for major archival collections in North America.
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Keywords

L. Ron HubbardScientology studiesnew religious movementsChurch of ScientologyScientologists
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in New Religious Movements
Online ISBN: 9781009032001
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 14 July 2022

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