L. Ron Hubbard's birthday

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (b 1911, d 24/1/86) was a professional writer in the 1930s and '40s writing novels, science fiction and westerns.

In 1950, he wrote a seminal work "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" which led in 1954 to the founding of the Church of Scientology, which promoted his theory of "applied religious philosophy". Following the launch of the Church, which Hubbard effectively headed in one capacity or another until his death, he wrote many books on Scientology, all of which are avidly read by followers of his theories and the Church’s teachings.

Scientology is a form of psychotherapy which involves confronting negative experiences in order to achieve ultimate mental health. This alternative pathway to overcoming physical and mental stress is not without controversy and has attracted more than passing investigation. In the 1950s the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association questioned activities within the Church. In the 1960s the governments of the USA, Australia and the United Kingdom all opened formal investigations into Scientology, in some cases questioning not only its practices but also its status as a Church (which was often associated with charitable status and the benefits which that can confer). A strong debate on the Church continues in Germany.

Many opponents of the Church, including former members, accuse it of being an anti-democratic, elaborately designed and structured cult. It is undeniably true that, regardless of its value as a psychotherapeutic method, progressing through the stages required to attain the status of "Clear" is an extremely expensive process.

In 2006, it was estimated that the Church of Scientology had more than 3,000 churches, missions and member groups around the world. Its HQ is in Los Angeles, California.

L. Ron Hubbard, as he is more commonly known, continues to be revered in the Church of Scientology. However, to many he will be best remembered as the author of the gargantuan sci-fi novel “Battlefield Earth” (first published in1981) which was later turned into a film, produced and starring John Travolta. Travolta and the film-star Tom Cruise are both members of the Church of Scientology.

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