Scientology: Rise of a Distinctive Religion: Opening Statement on the Website of The Church of Scientology in San Jose

Production Team Statement and Introduction

It is almost impossible to find someone in the United States who has not heard about the Church of Scientology. Whether good or bad press, the church is constantly a topic of interest throughout the various media outlets at our fingertips today. Why is the church so captivating and interesting today? Well, the Church of Scientology claims to have nearly 8 million followers worldwide, and also claims to have been the only new major religion started in the 20th century. If these figures are correct, than Scientology is one of the fastest growing religions in the world today! Furthermore, Scientology has captured the hearts and minds of a plethora of celebrities of various backgrounds, including actors Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and popular singer/recording artist Beck.

Scientology is constantly under a microscope of scrutiny, and often straddles the line between religion and cult. While Scientology has a definite set of religious beliefs, practices, churches, and non-profit organizations, the church is often criticized for supposedly “brain washing” its followers, as well as extorting ridiculous sums of money as donations to the church. Many church officials themselves have been accused of stealing millions of dollars from the church for personal gain. Nevertheless, the church continues to push forward and expand across the globe, spreading its message of pursuing higher knowledge and attaining spiritual freedom.

Within this website you will find an abundance of information about the Church of Scientology. Available through the various links on this page, you will be able to learn about:

The various important directors and founder of the church
Recommended book resources concerning Scientology
An assortment of images representing the church
A virtual tour of a local Scientology church
Research articles from credited scholarly journals
Expert interviews and testimonials concerning the church
Resources for further learning and research

Hopefully after exploring this comprehensive website, you the viewer will be able to make your own educated decision about the Church of Scientology. We strive to bring you credible information and resources in an unbiased manner. Our analysis of this faith tradition remains strictly educational, and in no way intends to be promotional or derogatory. We hope you find our website interesting and informative, thank you for visiting!

March 16, 2010

Opening Statement on the Website of The Church of Scientology in San Jose

“The importance of San Jose and Silicon Valley in terms of technology, communications and the energy this gives to the world give the citizens of this area far-reaching effects on our planet. It is our intention to bring these individuals up to new states of ability through the application of the breakthrough discoveries on the spirit and life made by L. Ron Hubbard. To that end, we have constructed and renovated an entirely new building for our San Jose church, which now stands as one of the largest Churches of Scientology in the world.”

This is the opening statement on the church’s website. This research center is local and an official Scientology Church. This would be a great link for our website. The site provides you with information about scientology, how you become a member, background info on L. Ron Hubbard, contact information/address, and an interactive web tour of the facility. The church provides free tours and displays open to the public. There are also free scientology ceremonies at noon on Sundays in the chapel. Courses in dianetics and auditing are also available at this research center.