From its origins in the 1950s, the Church of Scientology has been one of the most controversial, contested, and yet also poorly understood new religions in the world. Best known for its cast of high-profile celebrity spokespersons, such as John Travolta, Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley, the Church has also been widely attacked by the media, anti-cult groups and various government agencies as a rapacious business and a dangerous “cult of greed”. And yet despite its infamous reputation in popular culture, Scientology has – with a few notable exceptions – rarely been subjected to serious critical analysis by historians of religions.

The reasons for this neglect are not far to seek. From its first incorporation in 1953, the Church of Scientology has been not only one of the most lucrative but also arguably the most secretive (and litigious) new religion in the world, maintaining very tight control over the flow of information both within and outside the organization.