Scientology

[cabanafrau]

Until Going Clear I had no real concept of the basis of the belief system of Scientology. I was nonplussed to say the least.

 

[katriscari]

I just caught up....the whole forced abortion thing is what gets me the most. That is insane.

 

[kidshop]

So does scientology do any good for humanity as they tell their members in order to keep getting money and/or their lives from them? What do they put out into the world? (and don't say Tom Cruise !)

I am fascinated by them, as so few speak out even if they have escaped. The level of control is unbelievable to me.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

So does scientology do any good for humanity as they tell their members in order to keep getting money and/or their lives from them? What do they put out into the world? (and don't say Tom Cruise !)

I am fascinated by them, as so few speak out even if they have escaped. The level of control is unbelievable to me.

Generally, they consider "clearing" people (through Scientology) to be public good. That is how they believe they are saving the planet.

Unlike most religions, being a "better" scientologist costs money. In order to become "clear" you have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars on courses and even more to achieve higher levels on the bridge.

One of the major roadblocks to their tax exempt status prior to 1994 was that the church spent no money on goods and services for their parisioners/community.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I can kind of see how people in in the 60s/70s got involved (sort of), but in this day and age I can't imagine how anybody could join a religion that was created by a science fiction writer who had been known to say that the easiest way to become rich is to start a religion!!!

 

[CdnCarrie]

Do they do any kind of charity work at all? I heard that they are taught that taking charity is bad and you weren't helping your fellow church goers to give them anything.

I was also wondering how people managed (the public scientologists that is) their lives if they are basically at the church 7 days a week. How do you have a family? Leah talks about people selling assets and not taking family vacations to keep up their courses.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

I've been watching her documentary on A&E and saw the 20/20 episode. This is NOT a religion - it's a cult. I have never heard of any "religion" that so blatantly abuses it's members both emotionally, financially and apparently physically. Can someone say Jim Jones.

 

[Heidict]

No question it's a cult and I just can't wrap my head around how people get involved. Once it's exposed all the money and time that goes into auditing, they still continue. A part of me feels sorry for those caught up in it. It's a trap. I can imagine it must be scary for them to leave. Losing your family, all your friends, possibly your job and to live in fear of them "stalking" you.

My DH watched a few of the shows and had his eyes opened to what it really is. He knew that Scientology wasn't good, but didn't realize just how horrible and controlling they were until her show.

I'm glad she is doing this show and exposing them for the charlatan's that they are.

 

[okeydokey]

It's strange that they call them it a church, but are there any actual church services? Or is it all the personal auditing. Unbelievable that they actually have tax exempt status. Leah is doing more good than she knows by taking on great risk to expose this.

 

[CdnCarrie]

It's strange that they call them it a church, but are there any actual church services? Or is it all the personal auditing. Unbelievable that they actually have tax exempt status. Leah is doing more good than she knows by taking on great risk to expose this.

Seems like they have what they call events a few times a year where they have big media presentations with fake numbers about the good they are doing and David Miscavage talks. They are watched via satellite. But no they don't seem to have weekly worship like other religions.

In one book Jenna Miscavage Hill says they say "hip hip hurray" 3x to a portrait of LRH during school days and at other times like graduation ceremonies.

 

[Domo]

Watch the South Park episode on Scientology. It's hilarious! And if it's accurate... Jeez Louise!

 

[maxiesmom]

I think the cost depends on the person. Certainly those with money look like big dollar signs, especially celebrities who then spread the message.

She said that is the base cost, no matter who you are. And Leah said she had spent lots more than that. Up into the millions I think.

 

[cabanafrau]

My personal suspicion is they keep their hooks in the big celebrities by threatening to expose whatever dirt they've gleaned from their audits.

 

[Domo]

Wasn't L Ron Hubbard a science fiction writer?

 

[Elleshoodat]

Wasn't L Ron Hubbard a science fiction writer?

To start, yes. Many of what's in Scientology and "Dianetics" first appeared in his science fiction writings. I haven't fact-checked, but he's quoted as saying something like "the way to make real money is to start a religion," so...

I watched "Going Clear" and have been following the A&E show, and I'm both fascinated and disgusted. Like someone else posted, when I don't understand something, I research the heck out of it -- I even found a podcast that spent several episodes digging into the "church" (I use that term loosely) in L.A.

 

[DizBelle]

To start, yes. Many of what's in Scientology and "Dianetics" first appeared in his science fiction writings. I haven't fact-checked, but he's quoted as saying something like "the way to make real money is to start a religion," so...

I watched "Going Clear" and have been following the A&E show, and I'm both fascinated and disgusted. Like someone else posted, when I don't understand something, I research the heck out of it -- I even found a podcast that spent several episodes digging into the "church" (I use that term loosely) in L.A.

His girlfriend/wife/live in/whatever said that he said that. I don't know if there's any non-hearsay evidence he said that.

 

[Pixiedustaway]

Question: let's say i read the books and say to myself this is really something I can get behind. Can I just call myself a Scientologist??? Or do I have to join the "church" and pay gillions and leave my family, etc. this is all hypothetical but I'm just curious. It's maddening to watch her documentary. Like how is this right???

 

[missbrooke06]

Question: let's say i read the books and say to myself this is really something I can get behind. Can I just call myself a Scientologist??? Or do I have to join the "church" and pay gillions and leave my family, etc. this is all hypothetical but I'm just curious. It's maddening to watch her documentary. Like how is this right???

I do believe some of the many docs have shown there are people that left The Church but still believe the principles of Scientology. Some of them are pretty similar to a "new age" vibe. People seem to leave Scientology because of how the beliefs are practiced (or aren't practiced). I don't think this is terribly uncommon. Some people have faith and beliefs but dislike organized religion.

 

[Pixiedustaway]

I do believe some of the many docs have shown there are people that left The Church but still believe the principles of Scientology. Some of them are pretty similar to a "new age" vibe. People seem to leave Scientology because of how the beliefs are practiced (or aren't practiced). I don't think this is terribly uncommon. Some people have faith and beliefs but dislike organized religion.

Makes sense.

 

[jt'smom]

I can't fathom how anyone who reads the whole Xenu story and the understands the concepts of the "religion" can do anything but laugh hysterically. It is so ludicrous! I mean, even if you don't know a whole lot about it, just knowing they make you sign a billion year pledge when you join their Sea Org should be a clue that you are dealing with complete whack jobs.