What is Scientology? An Exploration into the Buzz of a 50 Year-old Religion

Shadows faded on a bustling street in NYC. A suburban mother and son traveled along the beaten path of West 46th Street, at that time packed with bars, shoppers, and theater goers. Excitement filled the air as throngs of people lined up for the MTV Music Awards. Among this chaos stood a stoic building on one side of the street, emblazed with fancy golden letters that read "Church of Scientology". It piqued the curiosity of the traveling duo. The plan had been to grab a quick bite to eat at McDonalds before heading over to see the play "Pig Farm". The mother looked at her watch and noted that there was ample time to go inside and look around.

With one push on a swiveling door, the pair had entered the confines of the Church of Scientology. The complex was orderly and neat, containing only the necessary items for a religious mission. Plasma screens brilliantly displayed comforting words of wisdom. Soothing pictures were placed alongside posters that read "Take a free personality test today". Clean-cut employees populated the area, and a young gentleman came out to greet the newcomers. The mother simply stated to the representative, "What is Scientology?”. With some contemplation the man pulled out a book called "Dianetics" and told the family to read it. It was puzzling to the son that the employee could not personally define what Scientology was. So the son decided to do a bit of research.

The boom of interest in Scientology started when Tom Cruise, a known celebrity Scientologist, jumped up and down on Oprah's couch and scolded Matt Lauer about the use of prescription medication by Brooke Shields. A media bonanza soon followed when wife Katie Holmes gave a "silent birth" and father Cruise was likewise severed from his relationship with Paramount Pictures. At the end of the entire uproar, only one thing was certain-a celebrity fiasco has given Scientology a boost to the forefront of the public mind.