(May 10, 2006) — It started off with the tabloid-fueled “conflict” between the infamous Tom Cruise and his lover, Katie Holmes: Cruise is a Scientologist while Holmes is a devout Catholic. But before we dig any deeper, let us explore what is this Scientology that has made the public go mad. Soon after knowing Cruise was a Scientologist, the religion became widespread, yet the majority of the population still doesn’t know what it is exactly. Because of the sect’s secrecy, many questions have been raised about whether it is a religion that uses science to explain the unknown or some sort of cult or a private organization. Scientology is literally the study of knowledge and the spirit in relation to its body. According to Scientologists, it is a worldwide, bona fide religion founded by English writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1950s. He applied his expertise to his devoted studies of Scientology and Dianetics. Dianetics is the study of how the thoughts affect the behavior of an individual. The primary goal of Scientology is happiness; thus, programs and classes are designed to reach that goal. The most common counseling class is auditing, where certified auditors who specialize in specific areas do one-on-one sessions to help solve the person’s problems. “People who are depressed and want to improve relationships with others and the society or even improve their studies are encouraged to take classes,” said Dorothy Magy, who is a Book One Dianetics auditor in Glendale. Numerous controversies surround Scientology. One of the biggest issues is child care. Scientologists perform silent birth in which the mother with very little anesthetics gives birth in an absolute quiet environment. The bloody newborn is tightly wrapped and left alone for at least a day. Cruise and Holmes have performed this tradition for their first child. Rather than breastfeeding, infants are also fed a mixture called “Barely Formula” that can cause infant botulism. Medical experts disagree with this practice for its effect on bond a mother and a child build during its infancy. According to articles on E! Online written since 1998, scandals and lawsuits were made against Scientology. For example, artist Michael Pattinson sued members including John Travolta and former President Bill Clinton for fraud. Apparently, Pattinson was tricked into paying $500,000 to “cure” his homosexuality. Kirstie Alley and Travolta, however, appeared on 20/20 to defend Scientology for its good deeds.