an international religious philosophy established in 1954 by the US writer of science fiction L Ron Hubbard . It is based on his book Dianetics (1950) and officially became the Church of Scientology in 1965. It believes in a ‘life energy’ and encourages its members to improve themselves in a spiritual way by a greater understanding of themselves. The organization has been criticized for the methods it uses to attract and keep members. They include several well-known actors, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta .
► Scientologist n .