Scientology

D

Dark Virtue

New Member
It seems you can't flip the channel anymore without hearing something about Scientology, especially since Tom Cruise is such a vocal mouthpiece for it.

Hence, this thread, open for the discussion of Scientology.

Anyone have any thoughts to share?

Does anyone actually KNOW someone that is a member?

Discuss...
 
I'm not very familiar with the tenets of Scientology. I know that it is growing in popularity very quickly. GG Hollywood.
 
blackgravity said:
I'm not very familiar with the tenets of Scientology. I know that it is growing in popularity very quickly. GG Hollywood.
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That would be because most people in Hollywood don't want to be told what to do. Which turns them away from Christianity and Catholosism, because fo the strict rules. Also check this out, it's just the definition of scientology;

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&hs=8Cz&lr=&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official_s&oi=defmore&q=define:Scientology
 
To be honest there are many reasons why Catholic churches are emptying these days. And not much chance that Pope Palpatine will solve things. Did I say Pope Palpatine? Sorry - I meant Darth Benedictus.


"Unlimited POWER!!!"
 
Darth Benedictus...that has a nice ring to it.

Phantom, I don't know if I buy into your reasoning. If you look at Scientology it's just as demanding and rigid as Catholicism. Moreso if you include the money factor. $365,000 to reach the higher levels is a heck of a lot different than dropping a few bucks into the collection plate during Mass.
 
But really, to God, in my opinion all the extra 'fluff' that Catolics add to there 'ranks' and such is a load of bull. Everyone's the same in God's eyes wether he be a murderer or the Sith Lord Benedictus himslef. (I had to add that in, he really does look like Emperor Palpatine.)

darth-benedictus.jpg
 
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This is going off topic but all religions have their "fluff". Y do u go to church every sunday. Y can't u talk to god in your house. Y do u have to go listen to a guy preach, can't u sit at home and read the bible. Specially in catholic churches in canada, y do they ramble forever, in india the catholic church has strict time limits on the sermon and mass.
Scientology is a interesting thing I remember reading about it but don't remember all of it. I think Tom Cruse said he was dislexic growing up and the exercises in scientology helped him. I want to read more in to that because I remember when I was in school it took me reading a textbook 3-4 times to get it to stay.
 
Gandhi said:
This is going off topic but all religions have their "fluff". Y do u go to church every sunday. Y can't u talk to god in your house. Y do u have to go listen to a guy preach, can't u sit at home and read the bible. Specially in catholic churches in canada, y do they ramble forever, in india the catholic church has strict time limits on the sermon and mass.
Scientology is a interesting thing I remember reading about it but don't remember all of it. I think Tom Cruse said he was dislexic growing up and the exercises in scientology helped him. I want to read more in to that because I remember when I was in school it took me reading a textbook 3-4 times to get it to stay.
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You don't have to go to church, adn you can talk to good when ever you want to. Goingt o church doesn't make you a Christian just like standing in your garage doesn't make you a car.
 
Well Im thoroughly frustrated because I was in the church library and was going to take out Larson's book of cults (which would clearly lay out scientology and its faults), but alas, I simply photocopied the particular section I needed.

From what I read, scientology is trying to mush Lewis and Freud (black and white). Healing past problems, organising life, achieving goals, all by implementing your spirit. Its sick because it does not depend on God, but instead exalts self and self spiritualism: e.g. "I heal myself with my spirit."

About the going to church thing... I would counter:
Hebrews 10:24-25 | And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
 
Doesn't that make some sence. Mind over body.
Or does it make u feel better knowing there's someone looking over u. I'm not trying to be offencive, I think everyone has the right to their own beliefs. If thats what they believe in how does that effect u. In your eyes their not going to go to heaven so whats the big deal. U'll go to heaven, and they will all burn in hell.
 
Cha-ching...my 2 cents worth.

Scientology is a cult plain and simple. The crazy thing is, it was started by a science-fiction writer and took off from there. Its a nice mix of new-age beliefs and aliens and outerspace wars and that kinds of junk. A large part of the people involved in the Terri Shiavo case were scientologists. They are all about making sure people die who are incapacitated, i.e. vegitative state regardless of the persons last wishes. Its a pretty weird group of folks to say the least and I wouldnt be surprised if they showed up at a dragon-con and fit right in.
http://www.scientology-lies.com/
http://www.scientology-kills.org/
Just google scientology and youll be amazed at the stuff out there.

P.s.- Here is a known list of celebrity scientolgists.
Anne Archer
Billy Sheehan
Carina Ricco
Carl W. Röhrig
Catherine Bell
Chris Masterson
Corin Nemec
Danny Masterson
Edgar Winter
Eduardo Palomo
Erika Christensen
Geoffrey Lewis
Giovanni Ribisi
Greta Van Susteren
Haywood Nelson
Isaac Hayes
Jason Beghe
Jason Lee
Jeff Pomerantz
Jenna Elfman
Jennifer Aspen
John Travolta
Judy Norton
Juliette Lewis
Karen Nelson Bell
Kate Ceberano
Keith Code
Kelly Preston
Kimberly Kates
Kirstie Alley
Leah Remini
Lisa Marie Presley
Lynsey Bartilson
Marisol Nichols
Michael Fairman
Michael Roberts
Michelle Stafford
Nancy Cartwright
Pablo Santos
Priscilla Presley
Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, Jr.
Sharon Case
Terry Jastrow
Tom Cruise
Xavier Deluc

Cant you just see all these people dressed up in some crazy tinfoil garb dancing around a bad movie prop full of blinking lights and chanting prayers waiting for their "space brothers" to come get them. :D
 
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To be honest I'm amazed that anyone could BE amazed that a religion where you buy your way into heaven is popular in Hollywood.

They use their money to survive lifestyles that would kill the rest of us. They use their money to ensure that the law doesn't apply to them. They use their fame to ensure that the little niggles of everyday life don't apply to them.

Why should they stand in the LAST great line? Straight to the front and watch St Peter roll back that velvet rope.
 
Arkanjel, What exactly is your definition of "cult"?

Eon said:
To be honest I'm amazed that anyone could BE amazed that a religion where you buy your way into heaven is popular in Hollywood.

They use their money to survive lifestyles that would kill the rest of us. They use their money to ensure that the law doesn't apply to them. They use their fame to ensure that the little niggles of everyday life don't apply to them.

Why should they stand in the LAST great line? Straight to the front and watch St Peter roll back that velvet rope.
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Indulgences anyone?
 
My definition of a cult would be, a religion that requires members to perform tasks or in this case pay up front to be a part of it. That which has a bizarre dogma, and of course this has only been around since the late seventies, so its not like its got any real roots, other than L. Ron Hubbards imagination. And Im sure I know why you are asking this and no Christianity is not a cult, it does not require anything of you. You are to freely give yourself to Jesus and invite him into your heart. You are not required to tithe or get baptised, these are just signs of outward obediance to show others that you are truely born-again.
As far as the money involved with scientology, just remember where these wacko actors get there money from. You and me sitting in that seat in the movie theater, paying our 8 bucks for 2 1/2 hours of brainwashing. Ain't America great!
 
LOL, nice catch :)

Christianity DOES require things of you, it's simply things that you are comforatble giving.

Ever seen a plate passed around in church? Sorry, but there are many denominations that REQUIRE tithes, that REQUIRE baptism, etc.

Some would consider Catholicism full of bizarre doctrines. Under your definition of cult, quite a few Christian denominations would fit the bill, if not Christianity in general.

Think YOU aren't in a cult? You might want to check the dictionary:

1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP
2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator <health cults>
5 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion"
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I think the way YOU want to define cult is best summed up this way:

From an orthodox Christian perspective, a cult is a group of people who follow one man or the group's spiritual teachings and practices that, when compared with orthodox Christian doctrine always contradict them, as well as exalt the group's own unique religious perspective as the only way to truly serve God.
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You see the problem with this definition though? You are standing on a subjective soapbox pointing fingers oblivious to the fact that fingers are pointed back at YOU.


"...if you believe in it, it is a religion or perhaps 'the' religion; and if you do not care one way or another about it, it is a sect; but if you fear and hate it, it is a cult." Leo Pfeffer

For a quick read on the definition of cults, check this out
 
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Nice definition of a cult. It reminds me very much of the definition of insane in Yes Minister. I have a unique perspective. You are eccentric. He is insane.
 
Come on DV, have you been to a church and not been allowed to leave because you didnt tithe? NO, and if you did, then you should sue for kidnapping. True Chrisitanity is a personal realtionship with the creator. It is betweeen you and Jesus, not you and the pastor, not you and the money plate, just you and Jesus. People go to a church to be with other like minded individuals who also share a personal realtionship with Jesus. Titheing (sp?) is a sign of obedience to what God has asked us to do. It is an outward expression to others of our faith and trust in Jesus. The same goes for baptism. Yeah i also read the webster version of cult, and gave you my definition of it since that is what you asked for. I could have cut and paste that, but you would have called me out on it and accused me of not giving what i think. I know how you guys think ;) If you think some of that has been standing on a soapbox, then you dont want me to really get going and tell you what I really think. =)
 
The line between a cult and a religion is verrry thin.. I find it interesting to consider how much of a spiritual group's definition depends on popular appeal. If Scientology was the most prominant faith in this country, would we not consider it a religion? And what does that say about the nature of religion, hmm?
 
Dictionary.com, Cult:

1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
3. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
4. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
5. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
6. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
7. The object of such devotion.
8. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.


Dictionary.com, Religion:

1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
3. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
4. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
5. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.


I believe the main distinction between religion is this:
A Religion seeks the Truth, serves a God, and results in morality.
A Cult creates a lie, serves self or a man, and results in legalism or lawlessness.
 
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