Scientology building in New York City.

Scientology is a body of beliefs created by American science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard, the first Scientology church was established in New Jersey in 1953. Scientology believes that people are immortal spiritual beings (thetans) which have lived many lifetimes, thetans lived among extraterrestrial cultures before being trapped in human forms on earth. It is believed that thetans were brainwashed by these cultures and sent to Earth as a form of population control. Scientology materials are structured in sequential levels, the easier steps are taken first, progressing to more complex beliefs as time progresses.

Scientologists believe that people are composed of three distinguishable parts – mind, body and spirit. The Church of Scientology provides Sunday services as well as social ceremonies for marriage, birth and death that are performed by an ordained Scientology minister. It is believed that further spiritual awareness and physical benefits are accomplished through counselling sessions referred to as auditing. Most auditing requires an E-meter, a device that measures minute changes in electrical resistance through the body when a person holds electrodes and a small current is passed through them.

Scientology states that this process helps locate an area of concern. During the auditing process, the auditor may collect personal information from the person being audited. The Church of Scientology claims in a legal waiver that all auditing records are kept confidential, however some former members have claimed that this information was used against them. Scientology has attracted some high profile followers including John Travolta, Lisa Marie Presley, Isaac Hayes and Tom Cruise.