NPR'S John Burnett offers a special report on Scientology -- the self-help philosophy invented by the late science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. In a little more than 40-years, Scientology has evolved into a full-fledged religion, complete with a federal tax exemption, a rich and famous membership, and an international chorus of critics. Based in Los Angeles, the Church of Scientology aggressively uses lawsuits and private detectives to attack opponents and protect its secrets, while courting public goodwill through social service outreach. This report examines Scientology's beliefs and practices and explores what constitutes a 'real' religion. Burnett talks with church members, former church members, and individuals in the church hierarchy about this often-misunderstood group, and what the controversies surrounding the Church of Scientology say about how religions are established and recognized. (22:00) FUNDER 0:29 CUTAWAY 0:59 =========================SECOND HOUR======================= BILLBOARD :59 NEWS 2:59 NEWS 1:59 THEME MUSIC 0:29 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2A
Copyright 1997 NPR
