A Piece of Blue Sky

1. Hubbard's Early Life: A Foundation of Fabrications

Novelists often elaborate their own mundane experience into fictional adventures. Hubbard did not confine his creativity to his fictional work. He reconstructed his entire past, exaggerating his background to fashion a hero, a superhero even.

Reconstructing Reality. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, crafted a heroic personal narrative that often diverged significantly from the documented facts. This involved embellishing his childhood, exaggerating his academic and military achievements, and fabricating experiences to enhance his image as a learned and adventurous figure.

Discrepancies and Contradictions. Hubbard's biographical accounts are riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions. For example, claims of being a blood brother of the Blackfoot Indians at a young age, serving as a U.S. Navy Commander, or being a trained nuclear physicist are not supported by historical records.

The Power of Myth. Despite these fabrications, many Scientologists believe Hubbard's embellished life story, which contributes to his revered status within the Church. This highlights the power of myth and storytelling in shaping perceptions and inspiring devotion.

2. Eastern Mysticism: A Constructed Credibility

As a still very young man, with the financial support of his wealthy grandfather, L. Ron Hubbard traveled throughout Asia. He studied with holy men in India and Northern China, learning at first hand the inherited knowledge of the East.

Superficial Encounters. Hubbard claimed to have spent his teens studying with Eastern mystics in China, Tibet, and India, implying a deep understanding of Eastern philosophy. However, his diaries and other records reveal only brief visits to China, during which he expressed contempt for the local people and showed little interest in their culture or philosophy.

Lack of Evidence. There is no credible evidence to support Hubbard's claims of extensive travels in Tibet or India, or of studying with holy men. His knowledge of Eastern philosophy appears to have been superficial, gleaned from secondary sources rather than firsthand experience.

The Myth of Synthesis. Hubbard presented Scientology as a synthesis of Western science and Eastern mysticism, but his limited exposure to and understanding of Eastern thought undermines this claim. The "Eastern" element in Scientology appears to be a constructed credibility, designed to lend authority to his teachings.

3. Hubbard's Naval Career: Exaggerated Heroism

He is garrulous and tries to give impressions of his importance . . .

Contradictory Claims. Hubbard and his followers have made numerous claims about his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, including sinking U-boats, receiving numerous medals, and being the first returned casualty from the Far East. However, his naval record tells a different story.

A Record of Mediocrity. Hubbard's naval service was marked by a lack of combat experience, a reprimand for incompetence, and a series of health complaints. He received only four awards, none for combat or wounds, and was deemed "not qualified for command."

Creating a Persona. Hubbard's embellished naval career contributed to the Superman image he cultivated, but it was largely a fabrication. The reality was a far cry from the heroic persona he projected.

4. The Genesis of Dianetics: From Personal Crisis to Public Promise

My purpose is to bring a barbarism out of the mud it thinks conceived it and to form, here on Earth, a civilization based on human understanding, not violence.

A Time of Turmoil. Dianetics emerged in the aftermath of World War II, a period of widespread anxiety and uncertainty. Hubbard, facing personal and professional challenges, sought to create a system that promised solutions to human suffering.

The Promise of Dianetics. Dianetics claimed to offer a scientific method for resolving mental and physical ailments by addressing the root causes of trauma stored in the "Reactive Mind." This promise resonated with many seeking relief from the anxieties of the modern world.

A Blend of Ideas. Dianetics drew upon elements of Freudian therapy, reincarnation, and Hubbard's own imaginative storytelling to create a unique and compelling system. However, its scientific basis was questionable, and its claims were often exaggerated.

5. Dianetics Unveiled: A Blend of Science and Speculation

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

The Reactive Mind. Dianetics posits that the source of human unhappiness lies in the "Reactive Mind," a repository of traumatic experiences called "engrams." By reliving these engrams, individuals could supposedly erase the Reactive Mind and achieve a state of "Clear."

Auditing and the E-Meter. Dianetic therapy, known as "auditing," involves using the "E-meter" to identify and relieve engrams. The E-meter, a device that measures changes in electrical resistance, is presented as a scientific tool for uncovering hidden traumas.

Unsubstantiated Claims. Dianetics made extravagant claims of curing a wide range of physical and mental ailments, but these claims were not supported by scientific evidence. Critics pointed to the lack of empirical validation and the potential dangers of untrained individuals practicing Dianetic techniques.

6. Scientology's Shift: From Therapy to Religion

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

A Strategic Move. In the 1950s, Hubbard strategically shifted Scientology from a psychotherapy to a religion. This move provided legal protections under the First Amendment and allowed the organization to claim tax-exempt status.

Religious Trappings. Scientology adopted religious trappings, including churches, ministers, and rituals, to solidify its religious identity. However, its teachings remained rooted in Hubbard's theories about the mind and spirit, rather than traditional religious doctrines.

Controversy and Criticism. The shift to religion sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning the sincerity of Scientology's religious claims. Critics argued that the organization was primarily a business masquerading as a religion to gain financial and legal advantages.

7. The Sea Org: A World Apart

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

A Dedicated Force. The Sea Organization, formed in 1967, is a dedicated group of Scientologists who have signed billion-year contracts, vowing to serve Hubbard and his cause for eternity. They staff the Advanced Organizations and enforce Hubbard's policies.

Pseudo-Military Structure. The Sea Org operates with a pseudo-military structure, complete with uniforms, ranks, and campaign ribbons. This structure fosters a sense of discipline and loyalty, but also contributes to an authoritarian atmosphere.

Sacrifice and Dedication. Sea Org members often work long hours for little pay, sacrificing personal relationships and material comforts for the sake of Scientology. Their unwavering dedication is both admired and criticized.

8. The Guardian's Office: Defending Through Offense

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

Protecting the Church. The Guardian's Office (GO) was established to protect Scientology from attacks, promote its public image, and gather intelligence. However, its methods often crossed legal and ethical boundaries.

Infiltration and Harassment. The GO engaged in a range of activities, including infiltrating government agencies, stealing documents, harassing critics, and launching smear campaigns. These actions were justified as necessary to defend Scientology from its enemies.

Criminal Activities. The GO's activities culminated in the FBI raids of 1977, which exposed a pattern of criminal behavior and led to the imprisonment of several top Scientology officials, including Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue.

9. The Rise of the Messengers: Young Rulers and Internal Purges

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

A New Power Structure. Following the FBI raids, a group of young Sea Org members known as the Commodore's Messengers Organization (CMO) rose to power within Scientology. These Messengers, often teenagers, had been raised in Scientology and were fiercely loyal to Hubbard.

Ruthless Enforcement. The CMO implemented a series of purges, expelling hundreds of long-term Scientologists and consolidating their control over the organization. They enforced strict discipline and demanded unwavering obedience to Hubbard's policies.

A Reign of Terror. The CMO's reign was marked by fear, intimidation, and financial exploitation. Many Scientologists left the Church, believing that Hubbard was either dead or under the control of the Messengers.

10. The Independent Scientologists: A Schism Emerges

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

A Crisis of Faith. The CMO's actions sparked a schism within Scientology, with many long-term members questioning the direction of the Church. These "Independent" Scientologists sought to practice Scientology outside the control of the Church.

Harassment and Litigation. The Church responded to the Independent movement with harassment, litigation, and smear campaigns. Former members were labeled "Suppressive Persons" and subjected to "Fair Game" tactics.

A Quest for Truth. Despite the challenges, the Independent movement persisted, driven by a desire to preserve what they saw as the true teachings of Scientology and to escape the authoritarian control of the Church.

11. The Aftermath: Legal Battles and Lasting Judgments

Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious... it is corrupt, sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based upon lies and deceit and has as its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard, his wife and those close to him at the top.

Legal Scrutiny. Scientology has faced numerous legal challenges over the years, including cases involving fraud, harassment, and abuse. These cases have shed light on the organization's internal practices and its treatment of members and critics.

Damning Judgments. Several judges have issued scathing rulings against Scientology, condemning its practices as corrupt, sinister, and dangerous. These judgments have contributed to the organization's controversial reputation.

A Legacy of Controversy. Scientology remains a controversial force in society, with its practices and beliefs continuing to spark debate and criticism. Its history is marked by both moments of inspiration and acts of profound wrongdoing.

Last updated: March 14, 2025