What is Scientology? I do not recall very many accurate descriptions of my religion in the commercial media, and it is really rare to see an actual Scientologist describing Scientology in that media. So it is no surprise if there are some wild and sometimes hostile statements in the press. In my 30+ years in Scientology, I would summarize Scientology as a study of useful knowledge, in the broadest sense. I've never seen a critic of Scientology who had even the vaguest understanding of that basic fact.
One branch of Scientology addresses you, as a spiritual being. This is the religious aspect of Scientology, and is widely regarded by Scientologists as the most important part of their religion. There is an extensive technology to free you, as a spiritual being, from various traps and influences. I have extensive experience with this technology, and it is pretty good. The use of this technology is like breathing life back into your friends. See http://www.whatisscientology.org/ for more on this.
Other branches of Scientology address knowledge concerning other matters. Sophisticated study technology, effective communications, running effective businesses and organizations, etc. address your personal abilities in life. I mention these frequently in earlier posts because they give you the foundation you need for a successful career, which is the major theme of this weblog.
Scientology covers even more ground than this, however. Other branches of Scientology include: freeing people from the harmful effects of drugs, rehabilitating criminals (for real - at least one country has adopted this technology, and over the last few years it has seen recidivism drop to less than two percent), restoring the moral foundation that is necessary for peace on Earth, and so forth are addressing critical social needs.
Scientology is pretty extensive. The summary above is just an introduction. You can learn a great deal more at the web sites provided here and in many of my earlier postings. Have an adventure!
Bob