So What If Will Smith's School Preaches Scientology?

Actor funds school that uses Scientology teaching methods

(NEWSER) - Doing little to dispel widespread rumors that he's a new recruit to Scientology, Will Smith is funding a school that will use teaching methods devised by L. Ron Hubbard. Smith's own kids will attend the school, reports the Guardian. So-called "Study Technology" has been criticized for its ties to religious dogma and lack of data about its educational value. More»

Organization 'obsessed with fundraising,' disgruntled member says

(NEWSER) - A leading Scientologist is attempting to spark a revolt against chief David Miscavige, who has led the organization since the death of L. Ron Hubbard 26 years ago. Miscavige has ignored the teaching of L. Ron Hubbard and turned Scientology into a fundraising machine that bleeds wealthy members dry to construct lavish buildings and stockpile more than $1 billion in cash, Debra Cook wrote in an email to more than 12,000 current and former Scientologists. Cook was a top-ranking Scientology executive for decades before leaving the organization's payroll to start an Internet firm in 2008. More»

Organization snaps up historic Sunset Boulevard site

(NEWSER) - Whether or not you want to see more movies based on L. Ron Hubbard's writings—and most critics who saw Battlefield: Earth would sooner go blind—Scientologists now have the facilities to make them. The controversial organization has bought a landmark movie studio in Hollywood from a struggling public television station, reports the Telegraph. More»

(USER SUBMITTED) - Director Paul Thomas Anderson's Scientology project has stalled, according to Examiner.com. The movie was to feature actors Jeremy Renner and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Renner told TotalFilm that The Master, which would have focused on Scientology and an L. Ron Hubbard-like figure, has been postponed indefinitely. More»

Works of L. Ron Hubbard labeled 'extremist'

(NEWSER) - The works of L. Ron Hubbard are no longer welcome in Russia. Officials say they intercepted a shipment of books and recordings by the Scientology founder and decided that they should be banned as extremist literature that "undermines the traditional spiritual values of the citizens of the Russian Federation." Prosecutors made the decision after consulting with psychiatrists and psychologists, reports the Moscow Times . More»