• After WWIII, veterans suffered from intense PTSD, resulting in the emergence of mental health becoming more important. 

• Alternative spiritualities and new movements emerge due to the lack of fulfillment of modern problems.

• Self improvement and personal success are part of the American Dream, in which Scientology claims to fulfill.

• Psychiatry was being heavily critiqued, L.Ron Hubbard offered Scientology as a better alternative (Dianetics). Many could not afford it either.

• A nuclear war threat was upon and created fear on what would happen, overall fear and uncertainty. We needed control, stability, and overall a new purpose.

• With society increasing in innovation rapidly, Scientology’s beliefs were heavily involved in science (E-meter), intriguing several people with its new ideas.

Scientology started with L. Ron Hubbard’s book called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, published in 1950. In this book, Hubbard said that people could heal their minds and bodies by removing negative memories called engrams through a process he called auditing. Many people became interested in Dianetics, and it grew quickly. But after some early struggles, Hubbard turned Dianetics into something more religious. In 1954, the first Church of Scientology was officially opened in Los Angeles. Hubbard then created a full belief system with spiritual ideas. He said that each person is a spiritual being called a Thetan, and that by following Scientology steps—like auditing and courses—people can reach higher spiritual freedom.