THE SPIRITUAL ESSENCE OF MAN

As Mr. Hubbard’s research continued, he encountered increasing evidence of man as a wholly spiritual entity with experiences extending well beyond the current lifetime. His research also suggested potential states of existence far beyond those previously envisaged.

What followed was the foundation of all that is addressed by Scientology—his definition of that seemingly immortal life-source he eventually termed the thetan, a potentially omnipotent and limitless being that was, in fact, the source of life.

Given the inherently religious nature of these discoveries, it was not surprising that those studying Scientology came to see themselves as members of a new religion. Consequently, in 1954, Scientologists established the first Church of Scientology in Los Angeles.

With the founding of Scientology, the impact of Mr. Hubbard’s work increased internationally, as did his movements. By the mid-1950s, he was regularly traveling between lectures in Europe and instruction at the Founding Church of Washington, D.C. As Executive Director, he also saw to the worldwide administration of Scientology through these years, and drafted the organizational policies that still form the basis of Church administration.