L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology

The Phoenix period (1952–1955) was crucial in the development of Scientology. In Phoenix L. Ron Hubbard shifted from a focus on Dianetics to Scientology, which he defined as a religion. He continued to train auditors and create new content. He also wrote two foundational texts, Scientology: A History of Man and The Creation of Ability. Important innovations introduced during the period include the E-meter and the concept of the thetan, the immortal soul. Hubbard also began to expand internationally, especially to London and Australia. He also turned his creative energies to organizational issues, moving away from the use of foundations to centrally-controlled forms of organization. Using original sources, this paper analyzes how Phoenix set the stage for Scientology’s future growth.