Scientology & beyond: 6 religious groups with strong AZ ties

From Scientology to the Children of Light, learn about six religions that either got started in Arizona or have strong ties to the state.

Religion is an undeniable force in culture. Whether you personally believe or not, you can’t deny religion and its power. Learn more about six religious groups–including Scientology–that were either founded here or have strong ties to the state. 

1. Scientology

Scientology got started right here in Phoenix. The religion has a celebrity following (Tom Cruise is the most notable of the bunch, but he’s far from alone) and is also known for its many controversies. Chief among them is that this religion doesn’t believe in the use of psychiatric drugs. We don’t have the space to write about this religion’s long list of controversies, but you can read more about them here.  

Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s home is right in Central Phoenix near Camelback Mountain, and it’s even labeled on Google maps. The religion’s first iteration was actually called the Hubbard Association of Scientologists in Phoenix, Arizona. The home was even listed on the Register of Historic Places in 2009. Learn more about the property here. You also can visit the home in Central Phoenix and learn more about Hubbard and his religion. Scientology also has a church in Phoenix on 44th Street. 

2. New Age Community Church

Founded in 1968, the Phoenix-based New Age Community Church says on its website that, “We combine the wisdom of ancient wisdom with modern scientific truth.” The emphasis here is on new age principals. Those who participate in the church’s seminary program can become ordained as a New Age minister or earn a degree in metaphysical science. People also can sign up for its Healing Hands Program, which gives them the opportunity to become whatever a “touch healer” is. Learn more here. 

3. People Unlimited

Scottsdale-based People Unlimited’s name says it all. The slogan on a YouTube video posted on the home page of its website proclaims that it’s a “human trial in physical immorality.” This organization’s website proclaims that its followers can “move beyond emotional and physical stagnation aging your body” and learn about “living an  ageless lifestyle.” Visit the group’s site for more information.

4. Children of Light

The story of the Children of Light is fascinating, so buckle up. The Children of Light was founded back in 1950 in British Columbia. Although it didn’t start in the Grand Canyon State, the group ended up in Arizona and was here for decades. Its members were seeking immortality, and apparently thought they’d find it in the desert.

The group is dedicated to “vegetarianism, celibacy and the proposition that the outside world is going to hell,” according to an L.A. Times article. The group was founded by Grace Agnes Carlson when she said she saw a vision from God. She saw that the end of the world was near and that it was time to repent. She called herself Elect Gold. When this article was published, the group’s members ranged in ages from their 60s to 104. The group left Canada and finally settled in Arizona back in 1963, according to the L.A. Times. 

The 1993 article does say that there were only eight members left back then. We’re assuming that all (or at least most) of this church’s members have passed away by now, but the group’s presence lingers on. You can actually purchase the 80 acres of land this church once occupied in Dateland that the group bought in 1965. Provided you have $1.5 million, that is. Read more about this land in the real estate listing.  

5. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon

First things first, Buddhism was obviously not founded in Arizona and has deep roots in Asia. But this temple on the side of the road is so striking that we just had to mention it.

If you’re driven to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff, you’ve no doubt spotted this temple from the road. It’s impossible to take your eyes off of it. With its tiered layers and gold decor, it appears on the side of the road like some kind of desert mirage. This temple is “part of an international spiritual community dedicated to achieving world peace through following the Buddhist path,” according to its website.

This specific temple is seen as a model for future ones. You can even visit if you’re so inclined. 

6. Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

This group (which has a terrible reputation that you can read more about here) is notorious for being a polygamist cult. Its president, Warren Jeffs, had a home in Colorado City—a small town near the Arizona and Utah border. Jeffs is currently serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting two children. In 2006, he was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted List. If the name of this group sounds familiar to you, it’s likely because another prominent member, Samuel Bateman, was apprehended for sex crimes against underage girls and a long list of other crimes in 2023. We’d rather not go into the horrific details, but you can read more about this here.

It’s important to note that the Mormon church has severed ties to this group. Reading about this group is pretty sickening, but it’s not totally hopeless. One of the women who pressed charges against Jeffs wrote a memoir about her experiences called Stolen Innocence. Today, according to her website, she currently serves as an advocate for the abused and disempowered.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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