Scientology

/ˌsaɪənˈtɑlədʒi/ noun

Definition

A controversial religious organization founded in 1954 that combines science fiction ideas with religious practices and makes claims about spiritual improvement.

Etymology

Coined from Latin 'scientia' (knowledge) and Greek 'logos' (word/study); created by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard as a deliberately constructed neologism for his new belief system.

Kelly Says

Scientology is a fascinating case study in how religions can be literally invented—Hubbard literally designed the word from scientific and philosophical roots to sound legitimate, then built an entire theology around it.

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