Scientology is a body of beliefs and related practices initially created by American speculative fiction author L. Ron Hubbard. The major organization promoting Scientology is the Church of Scientology, a hierarchical organization founded by Hubbard, while independent groups using Hubbard's materials are collectively referred to as the Free Zone. Hubbard developed Scientology teachings in 1952 as a successor to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics. davis.htm" target="_blank">Paper, The Church of Scientology: In Pursuit of Legal Recognition, Section: Scientology: A Brief History of Belief and Practice, by Derek H. Davis, June 20, 2004, Baylor University, Waco, Texas Hubbard later characterized Scientology as an "applied religious philosophy" and the basis for a new religion. Scientology encompasses "auditing", a spiritual rehabilitation philosophy and techniques, and covers topics such as _morals, ethics, Purification (a type of detoxification), education and management.

Hubbard also laid down the foundations and policies for the establishment and management of Scientology organizations with the first Church of Scientology being established in December 1953. Today organizations affiliated with the Church of Scientology form a complex network geared towards introducing Scientology into society. Religious Technology Center owns the trademarks and service marks of Scientology. These marks are licensed for use by the Church of Scientology International and its affiliated organizations.

Scientology and the organizations that promote it have remained highly controversial since their inception. Journalists, courts and the governing bodies of several countries have stated that the Church of Scientology is a cult and an unscrupulous commercial enterprise that harasses its critics and abuses the trust of its members. Scientology officials argue that most of the negative press is motivated by interest groups and that most of the controversy is in the past.