What's up with Scientology?

Scientology is much in the news thanks to Tom Cruise, John Travolta and other high profile members of the group. But what do Scientologist believe? Shannon C. sent in a link to a recent article in the English newspaper, The Mirror, which summarized the group saying,

SCIENTOLOGY was founded by sci-fi writer L Ron Hubbard. His book Dianetics: The Modern Science Of Mental Health has sold millions of copies. He died in 1986.

ONE belief is that 75 million years ago, an alien named Xenu ruled more than 76 planets, including Earth (known as Teegeeack), and tried to solve a population problem by blowing up beings on Teegeeack. Their souls were taken to a "cinema", where they were forced to watch a "3-D, super-colossal motion picture" for 36 days that implanted a "false reality" to control them. These souls then possessed humans.

THE Scientologists aim to help people become "clear" to ease crime, mental and physical illness, warfare and drug addiction.

CRITICS have accused it of being a dangerous cult, mainly concerned with making money.

The Mirror's article is from a reporter who spent a troubling week getting inducted into the group and tells of his few days in Scientology. The best information online from former Scientologist is at Operation Clambake.