Scientology

[finn's mom]

Hey, everyone. That thread about War of the Worlds and watching that interview with Tom Cruise (and seeing interviews in the past with John Travolta and Kelly Preston) has made me curious about this way of life. Does anyone practice it or know anyone who does? I plan on doing more research, as I've always read up on other lifestyles and/or religions for as long as I've wondered about the meaning of life. But, I wanted to see if anyone in here could enlighten me or anything. If you think it's a sham, that's fine, that's not really what I want to hear. I put it in the dog house, because talk of religion tends to get a little messy. But, if you know of someone personally who got involved in scientology and is worse off because of it, please tell me. Or if someone's bettered themselves by becoming a scientologist, I'd like to hear about that, too. I want to hear actual stories, though, experiences, whether they be firsthand or through friends and family. Please, I'm not interested in just hearing bashing, though. I hope that doesn't sound too harsh. Anyway, this may not get any posts at all, but, I thought I'd ask, as it's freshly on my mind. :)

[beeniesmom]

Not knowing what it was all about either, and hearing about this new religion/trend (?) in the media recently, ... I did a little reserch on the scientology.org website.... and, didn't understand anything. :D

[Samantha Puppy]

My main mantra is "to each their own" even if I don't necessarily agree with it. What I know of Scientology leads me to believe it's a bunch of crap but whatever floats your boat...

... The biggest probably that I have is that it is called a "religion". It is not a religion. It is not based on or focuses on a God of any sort (God, Allah, etc.). It was "created" by a science fiction author, for God's sake! Therefore, in my eyes, it's more of a new age cult or a social gathering of people than a religion. When people refer to it as that (a religion) is the only time I get upset. It is decidedly NOT.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
When people refer to it as that (a religion) is the only time I get upset. It is decidedly NOT.

I think when they refer to it as a religion, they're going by this definition of religion....

"A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion."

I haven't gotten to the point where I think it's a bunch of crap, but, I am not yet a believer in it, either.

[beeniesmom]

like I said.... a "new trend".

[Samantha Puppy]

Maybe so but to many, especially those that are religious, religion means to follow [a] God in some capacity. Since this has nothing to do with God, we don't believe Scientology can be classified as a "religion". That's what I meant.

[finn's mom]

I thought they believed in God, though....hmmmm....someone who followed it told me that they did. I'll have to look into it before I can say an opinion on it, since I don't know anything about it, yet.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
Maybe so but to many, especially those that are religious, religion means to follow [a] God in some capacity. Since this has nothing to do with God, we don't believe Scientology can be classified as a "religion". That's what I meant.

I knew what you meant, I was just trying to express what a scientologist might mean when they say it. There are a few definitions of the word, that's all I was saying.

[Samantha Puppy]

Oh, I know! Definitions vary from year to year and person to person, that was my point. :) I honestly don't know enough about Scientology to say much beyond what I've already said - I do know that you don't have to "renounce" your actual religion to be a part of it. Even so, it's still too fruity for my tastes. I'm about as conservative and classical as they come.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
Oh, I know! Definitions vary from year to year and person to person, that was my point. :)

I know, I just got it out of the dictionary. :) That's my source for definitions. ;)

[finn's mom]

And, my whole research into religions and beliefs is because I am yet to find a religion that I believe everything about. I don't go to church because I'm not sorry for having sex outside of marriage, simple as that. ;) So, I'm constantly trying to learn about other options, because until I can believe something 100% and practice it daily, I won't be a part of it. I can't be lukewarm. ;) that's why I don't consider myself really anything, besides spiritual, at this point. :)

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by beeniesmom
like I said.... a "new trend".

well, it's been around for about fifty years, which is new compared to most religions, but, it's not necessarily just a trend, either.

[Samantha Puppy]

Originally posted by finn's mom
And, my whole research into religions and beliefs is because I am yet to find a religion that I believe everything about. I don't go to church because I'm not sorry for having sex outside of marriage, simple as that. ;) So, I'm constantly trying to learn about other options, because until I can believe something 100% and practice it daily, I won't be a part of it. I can't be lukewarm. ;) that's why I don't consider myself really anything, besides spiritual, at this point. :) I wasn't sorry for that either... because some part of me knew that Josh was going to be the guy I married. And he's the only person I've ever been with in that way. I guess that's why I felt okay with it. Nothing I was necessarily PROUD of, but at the same time I am/was.

I'm just about the same way as you though. I am very happy in my religion (Missouri Synod Lutheran, more "strict" than Evangelical Lutheran) but I still have questions. For me though, I just accept that with anything with as big a spectrum as religion has, I will always have questions and that I like what I know of it, it's a good foundation for who I am, and that there will always be things in this world I don't quite "get". So long as I keep on being true to myself, I'll be happy. I'm a good person with strong convictions and morals and I owe a lot of that to my upbringing in the church. I don't go to church as often as I should (it's an hour from my house) but it doesn't mean I don't practice what I've learned over the years.

Anyway, that's my little take on religion for me. For everyone else, like I said, whatever floats your boat. I don't judge others because I don't like being judged myself. :)

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
Anyway, that's my little take on religion for me. For everyone else, like I said, whatever floats your boat. I don't judge others because I don't like being judged myself. :)

Yeah, I just figure if I know there's something that I do that I'm going to hell for, why be a part of it? No matter what I do, I'm not going to ask for forgiveness for premarital sex. ;) I could ask, but, it would be fake, basically. I consider myself a good person, too. I follow the ten commandments, and, I follow the golden rule. I'm not perfect, by any means. But, no one is. I guess I learned from my mom and dad, because we didn't go to church. I'm like you, though, I don't judge others for following what they believe, as long as it doesn't involve the suffering of others. I just can't see the good in any religion or belief that involves inflicting any kind of pain on another person. (I edited this cuz I eat meat! d'oh!)

edited: as for the ten commandments, maybe i don't follow them all, cuz i do seem to always end up working on sundays.

[Samantha Puppy]

I support any religion that tortures and/or sacrifices dogs and children...

















Or not. ;) :D :p

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
I support any religion that tortures and/or sacrifices dogs and children...
Or not. ;) :D :p

dork. ;)

[Samantha Puppy]

I'm sorry, how is calling someone a name following the Golden Rule, you nerd?

:D

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
I'm sorry, how is calling someone a name following the Golden Rule, you nerd?

:D

cuz i'd want you to call me names, too, freak. :D

and, being a nerd is a good thing. duh.

[Samantha Puppy]

LOL

You're right. I'm always calling Samantha a nerd, so I guess it must be a good thing!

If I really wanted to insult you, I would've called you an "Ensure Healthy Mom Shake in @$$ Flavor"!! ROFL ;)

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
If I really wanted to insult you, I would've called you an "Ensure Healthy Mom Shake in @$$ Flavor"!! ROFL ;)

omg, you're disgusting. no wonder we get along so well. even if you don't like me, now that i'm a scientologist. har har har, i can't even type that with a straight face. :D

[Samantha Puppy]

You don't believe what I believe? In that case, please cease all correspondence with me. I can only be friends with people who think and believe exactly as me.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
You don't believe what I believe? In that case, please cease all correspondence with me. I can only be friends with people who think and believe exactly as me.

oh, man, yeah. we're friends. :) but, what the heck does this have to do with scientology? hijacker.

[Scooby4]

The original poster was curious about Scientology. There was a report on it on CNN earlier this week on it. It gave the best insight on the subject. I do recall a few facts from it. I am neither for nor against scientology.
The "religion" is relatively new. It is based on the book from the late 1960's by Ron L. Hubbard "Dynatecs". The premise of the book really is more based on "science" of people's behaviors than having faith in a "higher" power. (God). People are to be in control of who they are, their reactions, and where they want to be. Not alot of "Fate" belief. Ironically, Ron Hubbard wasn't a Scientologist and never really lived to see the "religion" take shape as it is now. I even believe he wrote a sequel book to his "Dynetics" book. Both books initially failed or were not successful when first released.
Somehow, a "religion" came forth from many people who felt a "connection" to the message of the original 'Dynetics" books. The connection was so strong that Scientology was then born. Hence why many people may feel it was a "cult". It does have some cult like qualities but it is entering main stream society at an extremely fast pace. Kabulah may be second to it at this point.
Now this is where Scientology gets a little "fishy" to me. From the CNN report, it starts to come out sounding more like a sales gimmick. Apparently, for the beginning "Scientologist" there is a "application" process to go through. You don't just walk into the building and become a Scientologist. There are courses, evaluation exams, and interviews. The exams are given to "evaluate" how acceptable you are in accepting and learning about Scientology FIRST. IF you pass, then they offer you to purchase several hundred dollars worth of books. These books teach you about Scientology. For extra money you get a "tutor" who is more hands on. You must progress through the system before finally becoming a "Scientologist".
From all reports, this isn't a cheap group to join. Not alot of tithing. They are not agreeable to psychological treatments for any kind of mental illnesses. Drug addictions, schezoprhenia, to post-pardum deprssion are not to be treated by drugs. They have their own treatment programs for these things. However, there have been cases of violence involving members not taking medications due to their beliefs.
All in all Scientology does have it's own issues just like many other "religions". If you don't believe in a higher power and believe you are in control of your destiny, then maybe looking into Scientology is a good thing. As for me: I will take God.:D ;)

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Scooby4
The original poster was curious about Scientology.

Yeah, that's me. :)

[finn's mom]

Scooby4, thank you for all the info! I don't disbelieve in a higher power, but, from what I've heard, scientologists don't disallow that belief in their members, either. I don't know, I still haven't read that much, yet. But, I did remember reading something that sort of goes against what you said, as far as when the book was written and when the whole thing started.....He published the book in 1950, and, formed "the religious philosophy of scientology" in 51. The first church wasn't opened by him, but, it was opened in 54. And, he died in 1986. I just wanted to put forward what I'd found out through reading sources online. They're different from what you stated about the CNN report.

[Samantha Puppy]

Originally posted by Scooby4
The original poster was curious about Scientology. 'Scuuuuuuuuuuuse me...

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by Samantha Puppy
'Scuuuuuuuuuuuse me...

Now, now......shhhh......it was me and you both. :D We was just having fun. I don't think I've ever hijacked my own thread before! especially with such a nerd!

[K9soul]

I don't know much about it at all, but I took Scooby's comment in the context of: "The original poster was curious about scientology so I gathered this information." Or maybe "breaking in here to give this information to the original poster (probably didn't pay much attention to who started the thread)."

Nothing wrong with derailing if the post starter doesn't mind, and since in this case she's one of the culprits... carry on ;) :p

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by K9soul
I don't know much about it at all, but I took Scooby's comment in the context of: "The original poster was curious about scientology so I gathered this information."

Yeah, I knew what he meant. I wasn't offended at all. I was still in my silly mode from Samantha Puppy's and my conversation. ;) I was just wondering about the info he gave as opposed to what I'd gathered, they were pretty different.

[abbersmom]

I had an Uncle that practiced Scientology up until his death this past Spring. He was quite high in his religion, as he was elected to First Reader in each community he lived in during the past several years. They do not have a "minister" or "pastor" that leads a service, rather just the "reader" who leads their gatherings. I know that several years ago when my Dad had to have a couple toes amputated my uncle insisted my Mom read a scientology book, I wish I could think of the name, but it says in there how god would not love a man that was not whole, & he explained that amputating would make my dad unwhole. It's the teachings of someone called "mrs Eddy" My Aunt & Uncle deeply believed that anything & everything could be healed by prayers & ministering over one another. When my uncle died, we found out that he had been ill for about a month (altho no family was told about it, since they do not live in the area) & his wife had been "ministering" over him. The only symptom that that we ever were told that he had was diarhea, so we do not know, nor will we ever, whether he had a serious illness or whether it was simply dehydration from the diarhea. I believe that prayer help, but I also believe that it often needs to be in conjunction with modern medicine.

Just my opinion....:rolleyes:

[abbersmom]

I think this is the name of it by Mary Baker Eddy

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by abbersmom
I believe that prayer help, but I also believe that it often needs to be in conjunction with modern medicine.


I agree with that, wholeheartedly!

[RICHARD]

Across the street from my work is the Scientology HQ......

They are a curious bunch....all the 'followers' dress exactly the same-women wear blue Dickies pants and an olive green polo shirt- the guy wear shirts and ties.....

they are always buzzing around the facility...at the moment they are setting up a stage in the parking lot for this once-a-year,
festival they do....

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by RICHARD
Across the street from my work is the Scientology HQ......

They are a curious bunch....all the 'followers' dress exactly the same-women wear blue Dickies pants and an olive green polo shirt- the guy wear shirts and ties.....

they are always buzzing around the facility...at the moment they are setting up a stage in the parking lot for this once-a-year,
festival they do....

For some reason, your description made me giggle. they wear matching outfits? interesting! i like dickies pants, though! :D

[Lady's Human]

I have a hard time taking anything by L Ron Hubbard seriously after trying to read his science fiction writing. Battlefield Earth and the Mission Earth dekagology (10 books, each easily over 1000 pgs long) are essentially unreadable.

[gemini9961]

Originally posted by RICHARD
Across the street from my work is the Scientology HQ......

They are a curious bunch....all the 'followers' dress exactly the same-women wear blue Dickies pants and an olive green polo shirt- the guy wear shirts and ties.....

they are always buzzing around the facility...at the moment they are setting up a stage in the parking lot for this once-a-year,
festival they do....


Ahh yes....another person close to Scientology HQ's. Here in FL (Clearwater to be exact) is a huge Scientology mecca. You can see them all walking down the street yes in MATCHING clothes. Here they had on olive green pants and like beige/white shirts. They walk in a group together. They "buzz" from building to building for their classes. It's really strange, all these matching people walking around cult-like. (I'm not saying they are a cult, but nonetheless it's freaking weird) They don't really look around at other people, only themselves. They are always in a group together. I personally think it's a bunch of bull but Kari didn't want any bashing so I'll leave it at that. This is just what I have seen from them.

[gemini9961]

Ok one more thing about this. I don't know if anybody remembers the Lisa McPherson case that was here locally where I am. Well she died under Scientology care because she was not taken to a hospital. I don't know if these needs to be posted here but it was a big deal when it was happening. Any google search with her name will bring up info if anyone else wants more.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by gemini9961
Ok one more thing about this. I don't know if anybody remembers the Lisa McPherson case that was here locally where I am. Well she died under Scientology care because she was not taken to a hospital. I don't know if these needs to be posted here but it was a big deal when it was happening. Any google search with her name will bring up info if anyone else wants more.

Well, actually that's more what I wanted to hear than that they look weird because they're in matching clothes. (not judging a book by it's cover kinda thing) I just wanted to know if anyone has any actual stories, not just stuff they've observed. And, I appreciate you not going into too much bashing. If you had personal experience with someone who studied or followed it, then, please bash away. Know what I mean? ;) But, as for stuff like them not going to the doctor ever, that's factual, and, that's the stuff I wanna know about. I try to avoid taking medicine, for the most part. I don't take anything for headaches, for example, and, I rarely get them anyway. I just know what seems to trigger mine, I avoid that stuff, and, then, I drink green tea if I get one. But, as for never going to the doctor, I don't think I'll ever get to that point.

[JenBKR]

I don't know much about it, but I had heard on tv that the War of the Worlds movie was closely linked to Scientology. Out of curiosity I looked it up a little. From what I got, they believe that we do not have souls, and that we are actually burned up aliens that landed here centuries ago (I think I looked under google, don't remember the actual site. I'll let you know if I remember). That was pretty much enough for me...not trying to bash just letting you know what I read.

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by JenBKR
they believe that we do not have souls, and that we are actually burned up aliens that landed here centuries ago

if you can find the site, please show it to me, as everything i've read has said that they believe we are a soul, and, that the body is just a vessle for communication, or something to that affect. I've not seen anything about aliens in the stuff that i've read. Yikes. i'm not debating, just wondering where you got that.

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by finn's mom
if you can find the site, please show it to me, as everything i've read has said that they believe we are a soul, and, that the body is just a vessle for communication, or something to that affect. I've not seen anything about aliens in the stuff that i've read. Yikes. i'm not debating, just wondering where you got that.

I will look for it, and try to remember. It might not be correct (I don't believe everything I read on the internet!) but it freaked me out a little! I'll look today

[finn's mom]

this is a summary of about ten different sites i found....i don't believe everything i read, either...but, here's basically what i'm reading....

Scientologists believe that a person is neither mind nor body, but a spiritual being - a soul.

i don't know, i'm still looking and can't find anything about aliens. i'm curious now, though. but, when it comes right down to it, this is the kind of stuff that makes religion in general so hard for me to grasp. cuz a lot of the origins of the bible seem about as realistic to me as aliens do. it's all so far out of my understanding, that's why i continue to search, i guess. ;)

[JenBKR]

I think this is the website:

http://www.xenu.net/

Here is an exert:

The science fiction content of Scientology is revealed to them after they have reached the state they call "Clear", meaning freed from the aberrations of the mind. However, perhaps "brainwashed" would be a more applicable word to describe the mental state of someone who has survived the near entire delusional contents of their subconscious mind brought to the surface and presented to them as "truth". On the "advanced" levels (called OT levels) above the state of "Clear" they encounter the story of Xenu. Xenu was supposed to have gathered up all the overpopulation in this sector of the galaxy, brought them to Earth and then exterminated them using hydrogen bombs. The souls of these murdered people are then supposed to infest the body of everyone. They are called "body thetans". On the advanced levels of Scientology a person "audits out" these body thetans telepathically by getting them to re-experience their being exterminated by hydrogen bombs. So people on these levels assume all their bad thoughts and faulty memories are due to these body thetans infesting every part of their body and influencing them mentally. Many Scientologists go raving mad at this point if they have not done so already.


I think I heard the "burned up aliens" on the radio, and read this, and combined the two. This is an anti-scientology site, so may not be true. It's hard sometimes to distinguish between fact and fiction on the net!

[finn's mom]

geez, that's scary. but, again, religion is mostly scary and confusing to me anyway. there are anti everything out there. thanks for posting that, though.

[JenBKR]

I know, everything can be so confusing sometimes. Religions are so complicated. Sometimes it's hard to know what to believe!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by JenBKR
I know, everything can be so confusing sometimes. Religions are so complicated. Sometimes it's hard to know what to believe!

Yeah, I just go with the basics of good humanity. That's all I really know how to do. :)

[JenBKR]

I agree. Thank goodness for our furkids!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by JenBKR
I agree. Thank goodness for our furkids!

Yeah, at least I know I can trust that relationship.

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by finn's mom
Yeah, at least I know I can trust that relationship.

Amen to that!

[lbaker]

I don't know much about the religion (or belief, whatever) but in defense of his Sci-Fi books I absolutely have enjoyed and, indeed laughed, at the subtle humor and the sometimes absurd dialogue between characters. I thought they were amusing and great fun! Pay no attention to the dumb movie made from Battlefield Earth (STUPID through and through) but the book was terrific!

[finn's mom]

Originally posted by lbaker
I don't know much about the religion (or belief, whatever) but in defense of his Sci-Fi books I absolutely have enjoyed and, indeed laughed, at the subtle humor and the sometimes absurd dialogue between characters. I thought they were amusing and great fun! Pay no attention to the dumb movie made from Battlefield Earth (STUPID through and through) but the book was terrific!

cool, I'd heard good things about his sci-fi novels before. i've never heard good things about battlefield earth, though. i was never interested in seeing it. ;)

[Luvin Labs]

Dunno if anyone posted this yet, Its all about the truths about Scientology as a religion and of people who finally left the grasp of this religion. www.xenu.net

Not gonna bash it ...

Edit: OOPS someone beat me to it! But that is a good site to browse...


Originally posted by JenBKR
I don't know much about it, but I had heard on tv that the War of the Worlds movie was closely linked to Scientology.

slight hijack

War of the Worlds is in no way related to Scientology. The only similarity is the fact that Tom C is starring in the remake of WotW. I don't believe the author of WotW meant it to be compared to Scientology... then again what do I know :) :)

[RICHARD]

Originally posted by gemini9961
They "buzz" from building to building for their classes. It's really strange, all these matching people walking around cult-like. (I'm not saying they are a cult, but nonetheless it's freaking weird) They don't really look around at other people, only themselves.

And I thought it was me..........


If you greet them on the sidewalk....I have never see anyone on OUR side of the street, but because the hospital is spread across a wide area we have to walk on their sidewalk.....they look at you like you are from outer space....:confused: :eek:

spooky!

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by Luvin Labs


slight hijack

War of the Worlds is in no way related to Scientology. The only similarity is the fact that Tom C is starring in the remake of WotW. I don't believe the author of WotW meant it to be compared to Scientology... then again what do I know :) :)

You are probably right, it was just something I heard on the radio. I thought it was strange, so I googled it and found that site. I don't really know what the movie is about except an alien invasion. :) :)

[lbaker]

Somehow I just don't see Orson Wells into Scientology :D

To clarify; War of the Worlds was written by Howard Koch and broadcast live over the radio in October 1938. It was broadcast live, narrated by Orson Wells as a drama, but hundreds upon hundreds, THOUSANDS of people, Nation wide believed it to be actual and panicked. :rolleyes:

[JenBKR]

Originally posted by lbaker
Somehow I just don't see Orson Wells into Scientology :D

To clarify; War of the Worlds was written by Howard Koch and broadcast live over the radio in October 1938. It was broadcast live, narrated by Orson Wells as a drama, but hundreds upon hundreds, THOUSANDS of people, Nation wide believed it to be actual and panicked. :rolleyes:

I remember hearing about that. I didn't realize that that was War of the Worlds though.

[rosethecopycat]

Sorry. I believe you are confusing Church of Christ Scientist (the Christian Scientists) with Scientology.

Two completely different things.

Church of Christ Scientist, is a Boston based religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy, around 100 yrs ago.

Scientology is the L. Ron Hubbard psuedo religion which is the one in the headlines today.









Originally posted by abbersmom
I had an Uncle that practiced Scientology up until his death this past Spring. He was quite high in his religion, as he was elected to First Reader in each community he lived in during the past several years. They do not have a "minister" or "pastor" that leads a service, rather just the "reader" who leads their gatherings. I know that several years ago when my Dad had to have a couple toes amputated my uncle insisted my Mom read a scientology book, I wish I could think of the name, but it says in there how god would not love a man that was not whole, & he explained that amputating would make my dad unwhole. It's the teachings of someone called "mrs Eddy" My Aunt & Uncle deeply believed that anything & everything could be healed by prayers & ministering over one another. When my uncle died, we found out that he had been ill for about a month (altho no family was told about it, since they do not live in the area) & his wife had been "ministering" over him. The only symptom that that we ever were told that he had was diarhea, so we do not know, nor will we ever, whether he had a serious illness or whether it was simply dehydration from the diarhea. I believe that prayer help, but I also believe that it often needs to be in conjunction with modern medicine.

Just my opinion....:rolleyes:

[abbersmom]

Hmmmm...ya know...it does sound that way, Thanks for straightening that out for me. Just hit me as being the same since wes used to say "scientology" when asked his religion...but I knew a lot of descriptions I was hearing here were far different than the life he lived! thanks!! :)


Sorry. I believe you are confusing Church of Christ Scientist (the Christian Scientists) with Scientology.