Scientology Studies 2.0: Lessons learned and paths forward

Abstract

The academic study of Scientology traces to at least 1958, when L. Ron Hubbard granted an interview to new religions scholar and librarian J. Stillson Judah in Washington, DC. Since then, relations between the Church of Scientology and academics have at times been strained yet, | INTRODUCTIONFor many, the Church of Scientology is associated with a science fiction writer named L. Ron Hubbard , celebrity adherents, esoteric scriptures, allegations of abuse, claims of "brainwashing" and "cult" status, a pay-as-yougo theology, an episode on the American TV show South Park, and a slew of anti-Scientology books and documentaries (especially over the last decade). In a 2008 Gallup poll (Jones), 52% of Americans surveyed had a "total negative" view of Scientologists. This was the highest of all religious groups surveyed, ahead of both Muslims and atheists, respectively. Only 7% of Gallup respondents reported a "total positive" view of Scientology, with 37% indicating that they were "neutral" on the topic. This perception in the popular culture is, to a large extent, a reflection of the literature about the Church of Scientology that has influenced the popular imagination since the 1950s.

‘With all praise to your exalted frequencies, consider me your friend’: listening, technology and musicking in the Church of Scientology

“…This article takes a different tack, combining historical, cultural and textual analysis with ethnographic research to understand musicking by Scientologists themselves. In doing so, it heeds recent calls for interdisciplinary scholarship that considers Scientology's texts and their place in the day-to-day lives of people for whom Scientology is a ‘lived religion’ (Introvigne 2020; Westbrook 2020). It also offers a blueprint for music studies scholars who engage with minority religions, however tangentially.…”

L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology Studies

“…In more recent years, the academic scene at least has begun to change dramatically, resulting in what James R. Lewis referred to as a "small tsunami of new scholarship" (Lewis & Hellesøy 2017: 2). Massimo Introvigne has used the expression "Scientology studies 2.0" Westbrook 2020) to describe the more substantive approaches to the subject that are now emerging on the scholarly landscape.…”