Scientology

[Jennasis]

I think maybe those Heaven's Gate folks might have been closer to the truth than the Scientologists. Or perhaps the Movementarians? I LOVE the "Leader"...

 

[djcruz4fun]

Wow, I've been reading these links, and I've got to say that I didn't know that people were that easily duped.

The problem is people acknowledge it as a religon when it is a cult and the people who a "duped" are in fact unstable to begin with, meaning they need some one to make there existence meaningful they cannot make it on there own.

 

[mommyoeo]

I'll admit the whole thing is very confusing to me. I couldn't get through Dianetics at all. It just confused me more. I'm still not sure what their core beliefs are... this one I don't get at all.

I think you have to "buy" it a little at a time. You have levels or something that you have to agree with, master, or something, that gives you the right to get more information from them. If they laid it all out there at once, no one would ever believe it. I think you are confused because they want you to be confused since you are not privy to their teachings yet. And there's a chance you don't have the multi-million dollars it would take to clear yourself of evil stuff in your body and will be out of luck forever . A religion for the rich leaves out most of the world's population-- they are doomed because they are too poor for these remedies. This is absolutely cruel and makes me sick at the thought. It still shocks me that anyone could fall for this! Be glad you don't "get it."

 

[eclectics]

I think you have to "buy" it a little at a time. You have levels or something that you have to agree with, master, or something, that gives you the right to get more information from them. If they laid it all out there at once, no one would ever believe it. I think you are confused because they want you to be confused since you are not privy to their teachings yet. And there's a chance you don't have the multi-million dollars it would take to clear yourself of evil stuff in your body and will be out of luck forever . A religion for the rich leaves out most of the world's population-- they are doomed because they are too poor for these remedies. This is absolutely cruel and makes me sick at the thought. It still shocks me that anyone could fall for this! Be glad you don't "get it."

Thanks. At this stage of my life I usually take the path of least resistance. If it's going to take this much effort (and cash?) to figure it out, I'll leave this one on the back burner.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

There are a lot of celebrities that are Scientologists. They get recruited and move up high into the ranks of the 'religion' because of their money. There's a large center on Ft. Harrison in Clearwater. It's scary, honestly to see theym swarming on the streets. You can see plenty of celebrities in Clearwater because of this.

 

[bicker]

Many people use the term "cult" to label any belief system, contrary to their own, that they feel they can get away labeling in such a derrogatory manner. So I'm very suspicious about whenever anyone applies that word to any belief system. Don't get me wrong: There are cults out there. The problem is that the word is often abused -- used as a weapon against thoughts and ideas to people don't like -- and I find such abuse morally reprehensible.

AFAIK, I don't believe in any of the asserted historical foundations of Scientology. With respect, I find some of them to be such that I cannot understand how any significant number of reasonable people could believe them. However, I feel the same way about some of the tenets of Christianity, too. Sure I could probably do a tally, and perhaps Scientology will have a bit more "marks against it" than Christianity, but it isn't my place to do such a tally -- to judge the belief systems of others. As long as they respect the core beliefs of our society, those things that all the significant beliefs systems in our culture respect, I believe I should "live and let live," and grant them the respect that I would hope they would grant to me.

 

[Geoff_M]

You assumption appears to be that those that consider Scientology to be a cult are basing that assumption on the tenents of their beliefs. I think that is largely an incorrect assumption. I agree that there are some analogies between Scientology and Christianity... such as Lord Xenu compared to Satan and the space aliens that supposedly reside in our bodies compared to the Holy Spirit. However "cults" aren't defined on belief systems, they are defined by the manner in which they interact and treat their own members and interact with "outsiders". For the record, there are also Christian cults in this world. As for Scientology, I think they've given their critics plenty of ammunition in this department.

As for "respect" that's a seperate issue from "live and let live". Quite frankly, I don't care whether or not someone respects my beliefs or what they personally think of them. That's a "feelings" issue, and quite honestly my faith can "take it". No one's suggesting that people that hold the beliefs of Scientologists should be broken and driven from this land. However, I don't think that "live and let live" should exempt the Church of Scientology from critical examination.

 

[bicker]

They sure have, but there is a difference between thoughtful criticism and careless criticism. How many people applying the label to Scientology can defend it with that ammunition you speak of, versus those who are applying the label solely because they don't like what Scientology represents? Also, how is Truth served by application of a label, by the deliberate bestowing of disrespect? I'm not saying that it is not, but if you cannot readily answer that question with a response that even Scientologists would have trouble refuting, then more careful consideration is appropriate. There seems to be a lot of rushing to judgement these days, and that serves no constructive purpose.

 

[Geoff_M]

Also, how is Truth served by application of a label, by the deliberate bestowing of disrespect?

More feelings.... Truth and respect are not dependent on one another.

 

[bicker]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand your meaning. Are you saying that there is a benefit from being disrespectful, even if the foundation for the disrespect isn't true?

 

[Jennasis]

Actually...I was hoping there would be a scientologist or two on the board who could shed some light on scientology as a whole.

I could start a thread on Islam and I doubt I'd get much if ANY people debasing the religion at all. The same for Methodism, Judaism etc...

Scientology as a RELIGION seems a bit suspect to me, and I was hoping to have a scientologist explain it a bit better to me. Not that I plan on switching teams mind you! But I like to be informed.