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The first Monday in December and Santa's Village is about to open on Hollywood Boulevard. That would be the Scientology Santa. As you might know, Scientology is a body of beliefs and related practices initially developed by the science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1952 as an outgrowth of his self-help system, Dianetics. Hubbard characterized Scientology as an "applied religious philosophy" and the basis for a new religion. But Scientologists are okay with Christmas, as you can see at their annual "village" at the Scientology Center smack in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard. It centers on the secular side of things – and since Scientology is now pretty much the semi-official "religion" of Hollywood – think John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Catherine Bell, Beck, Jason Lee, Isaac Hayes, Tom Cruise, and Katie Holmes – the display is a bit Hollywood.
Why is Christmas okay? That would be because Scientology mostly has to do with self-help and attitude. Scientology states that it is fully compatible with all existing major world religions and that it does not conflict with them. On the other hand, all existing major world religions are not exactly impressed – because of major differences in the beliefs and practices between Scientology the major monotheistic religions, a simultaneous membership in Scientology is frowned upon, or forbidden. Going the other way, Scientology only allows a "passive" formal membership in a second religion – you're not allowed to engage in other religious activities or ceremonies. Santa, the tree, gifts – all okay, as that's all secular. The rest is not okay.
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