L. Ron Hubbard, American religious leader and author, founded the Church of Scientology (b. 1911)

The Life and Legacy of L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Scientology

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (March 13, 1911 – January 24, 1986) was a prominent American figure, renowned as a prolific author across various genres, including science fiction and fantasy. Beyond his literary pursuits, Hubbard was also recognized as a music producer and composer. However, he is most widely known as the visionary founder of the Church of Scientology, a religious movement that has garnered global attention and considerable debate.

Hubbard's journey into establishing a new philosophical and religious system began in 1950 with the publication of his seminal work, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. This book introduced a system of self-improvement and mental well-being, proposing techniques to alleviate emotional distress and improve intelligence. Following its release, Hubbard rapidly established a series of organizations dedicated to promoting Dianetics. However, a significant turning point occurred in 1952 when, amidst complex bankruptcy proceedings and internal disputes, Hubbard lost the rights to Dianetics. It was in the wake of this development that he pivoted to found Scientology, positioning it as a religion, a move that offered certain legal and organizational advantages. From that point onward, Hubbard meticulously oversaw the expansion of the Church of Scientology, transforming it from a nascent movement into a worldwide organization with a presence in numerous countries.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Tilden, Nebraska, in 1911, L. Ron Hubbard spent a formative portion of his childhood in Helena, Montana. His early life was marked by significant travel, particularly during the late 1920s, when his father, a U.S. naval officer, was posted to the naval base on Guam. These travels exposed Hubbard to diverse cultures across Asia and the South Pacific, experiences that he later claimed profoundly influenced his developing philosophies and writings. In 1930, Hubbard enrolled at George Washington University, where he pursued studies in civil engineering; however, he withdrew in his second year. Soon after, he embarked on his professional career as an exceptionally prolific writer of pulp fiction stories, contributing to popular magazines of the era. During this period, he married Margaret "Polly" Grubb, who reportedly shared his keen interest in aviation.

Wartime Service and Disputed Records

During World War II, Hubbard served as an officer in the United States Navy. While he briefly held command of two ships during this period, historical records indicate he was removed from command on both occasions due to a lack of suitability or for being deemed medically unfit. The latter months of his active service were spent in a hospital, where he received treatment for a variety of complaints, which have been subject to varying interpretations. It is important to note that accounts of Hubbard's wartime service, particularly those advanced by the Church of Scientology, frequently differ significantly from official naval records, with the Church often portraying him as a decorated war hero who suffered severe injuries in combat.

Rising Controversies and the Sea Organization

The 1960s marked a period of increasing controversy for Scientology. The organization faced intense scrutiny and pressure from media outlets, governmental bodies, and legal systems in multiple countries. Allegations included claims of financial exploitation, psychological manipulation, and harassment of critics. In response to or in part because of these pressures, Hubbard spent much of the late 1960s and early 1970s at sea, commanding his personal fleet of ships. During this time, he operated as "Commodore" of the Sea Organization, an elite group of Scientologists structured in a quasi-paramilitary fashion. Members of the Sea Organization pledge a billion-year commitment to Scientology, wear naval-style uniforms, and are responsible for the highest ecclesiastical functions within the Church.

Legal Challenges and Later Years

In 1975, L. Ron Hubbard returned to the United States. Following an unsuccessful attempt to exert influence over the local government in Clearwater, Florida – an initiative often referred to as "Project Normandy" or "Operation Clambake" – Hubbard retreated into seclusion in the California desert. His legal troubles continued to mount; in 1978, he was convicted of fraud in France, having been tried in absentia as he did not appear for the proceedings. That same year, a significant scandal unfolded when eleven high-ranking members of Scientology were indicted on 28 charges for their involvement in the Church's "Snow White Program." This systematic program of espionage targeted numerous United States government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Justice, in what was described as one of the largest infiltrations of the U.S. government in history. Among those indicted was Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue Hubbard, who was a key figure in overseeing the program. L. Ron Hubbard himself was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the case, suggesting his involvement without direct charges being filed against him.

Final Years and Legacy

Hubbard spent the remaining years of his life in profound seclusion, residing in a luxury motorhome on a ranch in California. He was attended to by a small, dedicated group of Scientology officials. He passed away at the age of 74 in January 1986. Following his death, Scientology leaders announced a unique theological explanation: they stated that Hubbard's physical body had become an impediment to his ongoing spiritual work and that he had chosen to "drop his body" to continue his research and achieve higher states of existence on another plane. This concept aligns with Scientology's teachings on spiritual progression. While numerous independent investigations and biographical accounts have found many of Hubbard's autobiographical statements and claims to be fictitious or heavily exaggerated, the Church of Scientology maintains a distinct narrative. It describes L. Ron Hubbard in hagiographic terms, presenting his life story as an undeniable historical fact and rejecting any suggestion that its account is not entirely accurate. This stark contrast between official narrative and independent fact-checking continues to be a central point of discussion surrounding L. Ron Hubbard's enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About L. Ron Hubbard

Who was L. Ron Hubbard?
L. Ron Hubbard was an American author of science fiction and fantasy, a music producer, and composer, primarily known as the founder of Dianetics and the Church of Scientology.
What is Dianetics?
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health is a book authored by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950, introducing a system of psychological self-help and a method for improving mental clarity and well-being, which preceded the formal establishment of Scientology as a religion.
Why did L. Ron Hubbard found Scientology after Dianetics?
After losing the rights to Dianetics in bankruptcy proceedings in 1952, L. Ron Hubbard established Scientology as a distinct entity, transitioning it into a religious organization. This shift offered new legal frameworks and facilitated its global expansion.
What was L. Ron Hubbard's role in World War II?
Hubbard served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during WWII, briefly commanding two ships. Official records indicate he was removed from command on both occasions, and he spent the latter part of his service in a hospital for various complaints, a narrative that differs significantly from the Church of Scientology's portrayals of his heroic service.
What was the Sea Organization?
The Sea Organization is an elite, quasi-paramilitary group within the Church of Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard. Its members are committed to Scientology for a billion years and serve in the highest ecclesiastical positions, often residing and working aboard ships during Hubbard's time at sea.
What was the Snow White Program?
The Snow White Program was a large-scale, systematic program of espionage carried out by the Church of Scientology against the United States government in the 1970s. It targeted agencies like the IRS and Department of Justice. L. Ron Hubbard's wife, Mary Sue Hubbard, was convicted for her role in the program, and L. Ron Hubbard was named an unindicted co-conspirator.
How did L. Ron Hubbard die?
L. Ron Hubbard died in seclusion in California in January 1986 at the age of 74. The Church of Scientology announced that he had "dropped his body" to continue his spiritual research on another plane of existence, consistent with their theological beliefs on spiritual progression.