Fair Game policy acts as Scientology’s primary method of defense and control. Introduced by Hubbard in the 1960s, the policy declared that individuals labeled “Suppressive Persons”, those who criticize or oppose Scientology, could be “deprived of property or injured by any means...tricked, sued, or lied to or destroyed.” Although the Church now claims the policy was canceled, many former members and investigators argue that its tactics are still used today, particularly through the Church’s Office of Special Affairs (OSA). The Fair Game policy is crucial because it maintains discipline within the ranks and instills fear of dissent or defection. It discourages whistleblowers and critics through harassment, surveillance, and smear campaigns, often targeting not just the individuals but their families and careers. This aggressive stance allows Scientology to protect its leadership, assets, and secrecy while projecting an image of strength and unity to outsiders.

Dianetics, published by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950, serves as the philosophical and financial foundation of the religion. It introduced the idea that human suffering stems from “engrams,” or subconscious traumatic memories, which can be cleared through a process called auditing. This promise of mental clarity and emotional control is what initially draws people in. Achieving the state of “Clear” is portrayed as the first major step on the path to spiritual freedom, making Dianetics not just a belief system but a roadmap for personal transformation. In practice, Dianetics also functions as a massive revenue engine—members pay for repeated auditing sessions, courses, and materials, often spending thousands of dollars to progress through Scientology’s hierarchy. This system of belief and financial investment makes Dianetics a core mechanism for both recruitment and retention. 

75 years ago marked the beginning of the religion, Scientology. Born 1911 and raised in Tilden, Nebraska. As he grew up, he spent much of his early life traveling in parts of Asia, which greatly influenced his interest in spirituality and human potential. He wrote many science fiction, fantasy and adventure centered stories, and served in the U.S navy during World War II. He later stated that he had “healed” himself using the techniques explained in his first major starting point to creating Scientology, “Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health”. He stated that he had used auditing, one of the main aspects of Scientology today. However, while this book could be considered successful as a bestseller, it sparked controversy from medical and psychological communities due to its questionable techniques and discussed ideas. 

Dianetics could supposedly heal illnesses and increase intelligence, when questioned, he stated that Psychiatry was part of a vast conspiracy to destroy his newly formed church and control mankind. He believed that Psychiatry was fake, showing how it is a brain washing technique to make the massacre of millions of Jews in NAZI Germany. He claims that Scientology does not allow these brutal deaths and claims it is a better method. To use these methods, you need to pay money for auditing and the E-meter, causing Scientology to be considered a scam. Also, Hubbard said that he went to the galaxy to gain information, claiming that he was flying around space without his body, which is impossible. Overall, Hubbard was one of the biggest reasons why Scientology is considered a cult and a fake religion that should not be tax-exempt.

Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, is a country Hubbard thought could become the first Scientologist country because he had believed he was Cecil Rhodes in the past. Aligning himself with Rhodes is problematic because he was a dominating figure who formed the foundations of apartheid in Southern Africa. This raises ethical concerns about the values underlying Scientology’s leadership and ruins Hubbard’s credibility, especially when leading a religious movement. By believing in reincarnation, it makes one question whether his beliefs are grounded in logic, or fantasy and manipulation. Rhodes, a  controversial British imperialist who believed in AngloSaxon superiority and expansionism, showed cultic and domineering behavior. This makes Hubbard seem cultic, dangerously idealized, blindly loyal, and messianic, which is dangerous as a person heading a religion.

David Miscavige became the leader of the Church of Scientology through a calculated consolidation of power following the death of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Born in 1960 to a Scientologist family, Miscavige was deeply involved in the religion from a young age. As a teenager, he joined the elite Sea Organization (Sea Org), where he quickly gained a reputation for discipline and devotion. He worked closely with Hubbard in the 1970s and early 1980s, serving as a cameraman for Scientology promotional films and later as a trusted aide. As Hubbard’s health declined and he withdrew from public life in the early 1980s, a power vacuum formed. Miscavige strategically positioned himself at the top of the internal hierarchy, eventually taking control of the Religious Technology Center (RTC), the entity that owns and enforces Scientology’s trademarks and doctrine.

After Hubbard’s death in 1986, Miscavige asserted himself as the only legitimate heir to Hubbard’s spiritual legacy, even though Hubbard had not named a clear successor. He removed or demoted rivals, often through secretive internal investigations and disciplinary tactics, and cemented his leadership by tightly controlling all aspects of Church operations. Under his command, the Church achieved its most significant legal victory in 1993—gaining tax-exempt religious status from the IRS after a long and bitter legal battle. This win legitimized Scientology in the eyes of the U.S. government and strengthened Miscavige’s grip on power. Today, he operates as the public face of Scientology’s leadership.