Tom Cruise, Suri Cruise and Scientology: The Story Behind Their Estranged Relationship, Family, Divorce and Legacy

What Is Scientology?

Scientology was founded by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard.

The movement developed in the 1950s and eventually established churches and organizations around the world.

Scientology teaches a spiritual system involving concepts such as the thetan, auditing, spiritual progression and the idea that individuals can overcome limitations and achieve higher levels of awareness.

The Church of Scientology describes its practices as religious and spiritual.

Critics, former members, and investigative journalists have disputed aspects of the organization’s practices and institutional structure.

Because Scientology is central to the Cruise family story, understanding these competing perspectives is important.