Scientology has come under alot of heat latly for their beliefs and practices. I have heard that Scientology as an organization tries to stop most negative press with lawyers, however, I have not seen anything addressing all the recent mockery. My question to you scientologists out there, is how does all this affect your faith? Do you still believe in the same principiles as before or has all the negative press made you think twice about your religeon? Do you think scientology is a cult? What about the famous stories in OTIII about Xenu, the thing scientology is mocked about the most, what are your thoughts on it?
136324
Scientologist here,\n\nThe fact that Scientology is not in the slightest bit intersted in the\n"media's" usual "let's stir up some scandle, controversy, alarm, rumour\netc. to sell our "product", should demonstrate that what you have "heard" may not be factual. I have no idea who your sources are for this idea about Scientology in the past with regard to negative press.\n\nThere have been some very momentous legal battles won in the past by Scientology, but they have been to preserve religious freedom, and none involved the press.\nThe press also does not print this kind of positive outcome, nor does it promote any other good works accomplished by Scientology.\nIt's what you don't read or find out in the press that actually counts.\nWe do not take it personally since they do this with many individuals and groups. Our viewpoint with regard to the media is that they always howl the loudest when we are expanding and doing the most good.\nSo in a way negative press is an index for us, re our impact and expansion, a compliment. And they are right, Scientology is growing very fast at the moment, considering it is a new religion, only 55 years old infact, we are expanding internationally more than at any other time in our very brief past.\nHaving been a Scientologist for the past 35 years and been through the various "attacks" that have been launched in the past by the media, which were a lot more vicious than the silly stuff that has been printed recently, for me this is a big yawn, actally it is even a bit amusing.\nAs to whether this affects Scientologists in general, Huh! \nWe all have a lot more certainty about what we are doing with and in Scientology to even give this our attention.\nWe are all very busy expanding right now, and have much more important things to give our attention to.\nIf you knew our aims and purpose you would know we still have a lot of work ahead of us.\nDespite "rumours" to the contrary we are very much here to stay!
512223
The urban legend regarding this is that Hubbard, discussing religion with his friends, boasted that he could create his own religion, since people were so gullible. As the story goes, his friends took up that bet and he sat down to write Dianetics, the beginning of a cult. This story is justified by the fact that Hubbard published many (poor) science fiction novels before moving on to religion.\n\nThere is no corroborating evidence of this, as I'm sure it would be disrupt the goals of Scientology.\n\nThe religion itself is a dangerous cult that has harmed or killed many people.
335813
If one's faith is so weak that it is undermined by a work of fiction, then there's something wrong with the person not the book.  Why does a fictional book and movie which by the accounts I've read was rushed and not well put together threaten some religious people so much?  Is it really that scary a prospect for people to examine their faith?   I don't understand it.  But hey, if people want to boycott, more power to them, it won't hurt the theaters.
647582
From the perspective of an outsider, this is my brief experience with coming across Mormon faith: They are good people; a lot of them give their lives for their faith. I respect this very much. But...I used to live in Taipei for a long period of time, during this time, I came across many Mormon youth who had come to Asia to preach their faith.\nOne incident that struck me negatively was a certain day when I witnessed a group of 2 Mormon youths (early 20's) approaching a Taiwanese man on the subway (also known as the MRT). This man was quietly reading his newspaper when they interrupted him (this is not acceptable etiquette-wise in Taiwan and was obviously embarrassing to this middle-aged man in the crowded compartment) to speak about their faith. I looked on, in awe at the profoundness of their go-get-it approach. A few minutes later, they noticed me (a white female foreigner) and obviously wanted to talk to me too. When Sister Something and the other Sister something approached I felt quite uncomfortable and felt like a was being interrogated. I then asked them how their evangelization was going. They then explained how each team was assigned a certain line of the subway system to meet potential followers. I was surprised at this, because according to the local laws, no political party or any other organization has the power to use the subway system for purposes other than traveling. What they were pursuing was clearing outside regulations. Not only this, but the method they used to interact with locals was not exactly what I call "localzied". Anway, I still believe that Mormons are good-hearted people. The only thing I would encourage them to do is "strive for communion with other Christians".
600686
Yes, and some dude wrote about it too.  What makes mormons a cult is the fact they believe American Indian fiction.  (that would make an interesting conversation - you: so I hear you believe in American Indian folklore  they: .... it's true, I KNOW it is!)
176669
I get pretty cheesed off myself reading all the baloney that gets spewed forth on this forum about Scientology.\nJust between us two I'm also a bit weary answering the same questions about it.\nI must have answered over 100 or more in the last few weeks, trying to put some factual information out, between all the utter nonesense.\nSeems like some folks just use this forum as a garbage dump, instead of sharing any actual, factual knowledge the might have about a subject.\nHaving said all that (and sorry for dumping on you , please don't take it personally)\nScientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.\nAnd it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.\n\nThe most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.\nThe whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .\nWhen you do this the spere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.\n\nHow this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit.\n\nHe published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"\nThis is a MUCH easier read than Dianetics, (only about 100 pages instead of over 500) Dianetics does not explain Scientology since it preceded it and was first published in 1950.\n\nNow I know there have been some complaints that I keep telling people to read this book. I understand that some people just don't read books, or find reading difficult, but honestly the explanation and introduction to the subject is fully contained in this book. And you can apply it's principles right away, for yourself.\nThat way you can actually experience what it is for yourself. Then maybe you can help me to answer these questions !@!!*!!\nBecause then you will KNOW.
266215
Here is some info for you: \n\nScientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew or Atheist,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.\nAnd it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.\nIt is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:\nReligion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.\n\nThe most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.\nThe whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .\nWhen you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.\n\nHow this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit.\nHe completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights\nto the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable estate., when he died.\n\nHe published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"\n\nThere are currently over 8 million Scientologists in more that 150 countries world wide. However we are a new religion, only 55 years old. \nThe true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:\n1. A philosopher developes a philosophy about life and death.\n2. People find it interesting.\n3. People find it works.\n4. People pass it along to others.\n5. It grows.\n\nBy the way being "rich" has very little to do with why people are becoming Scientologists and it is definitely not a requirement.
284188
Following is a simple description of what Scientology is:\n\nScientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew or Atheist,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.\nAnd it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.\nIt is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:\nReligion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.\n\nThe most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.\nThe whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .\nWhen you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.\n\nHow this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit.\nHe completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights\nto the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable estate., when he died.\n\nHe published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"\n\n There are currently over 8 million Scientologists  in more that 150 countries world wide.This includes various celebrities not just Hollywood ones. \nHollywood media for some reason seems to be making a big deal out of it at the moment. But then they create celebrities just so they can knock them down. If they can't find a reason to do so, they invent one.\nBashing a celebritie's religious choice seems to be in vogue at the moment. I'm sure they'll move on to something else soon.\nMost of these celebs have been Scientologists for many years. It never \nhad any media attention until now. That's the media for you.\nHowever we are a new religion, only 55 years old . This is the normal course for any new concept or idea, if you look through history.\nScientology is no exception. We don't take it personally.\n\nThe true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:\n1. A philosopher developes a philosophy about life and death.\n2. People find it interesting.\n3. People find it works.\n4. People pass it along to others.\n5. It grows.\nI guess this includes celebrities. Why not?
8351
No. I am not a scientologist but I have friends who are. The difference between it and Christianity couldn't be more vast; however, they both espouse living by the Golden Rule.
242013
Consider this:\nA society is capable of surviving for thousands of years unless it is attacked from within or without by hostile forces. where such an attack occurs, the primary targets are it's religious and national gods and heroes,it's potential of leadership and the self respect and integrity of it's members.\nIf you look around you , you will find countless examples of these points. They scream at us every day from the newspapers and TV.\nProbably the most critical point of attack on a culture is it's religious experience. Where one can destroy or undermine religious institutions then the entire fabiric of the society can be quickly subverted or brought to ruin.\nFor the last hundred years or so religion has been beset with relentless attack. You have been told it’s the “opiate of the masses “, that it’s unscientific, that it is primitive, in short , that it is a delusion.\nThe source of this kind of attack is always covert and hidden. It is promoted by a few who have a vested interest in a slave society.\nUnfortunately these few rely on creating fear and insecurity in others\nto forward and promote their enemy propaganda. These others feel correctly they have to defend themselves from an attack, but because the real enemy is hidden, they can be manipulated to attack what they really should be defending as they cannot see the real enemy.\n\nThe key here is that underneath all these attacks on organised religion there is one fundemental target:\nThe spirituality of man, your own basic spiritual nature, self respect and peace of mind.\n\nHaving said that I can't resist introducing you to my religion. I don't feel too bad though since it does not conflict with other religious beliefs and you don't have to "convert". but it does fit the criteria of a new religion.\n\n\nScientology . An applied religious philosophy. \nWhen I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew or Atheist,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.\nAnd it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.\nIt is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:\nReligion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.\n\nThe most basic principle of Scientology is that YOU are your own immortal soul, that this is not a "thing" you HAVE but what YOU actually are.\nThe whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .\nWhen you do this the sphere and zone of his positive influence increases and moves outward into his life, his family ,his friends, his groups and mankind which he is part of.\n\nHow this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit. The basic religious philosophy and knowledge of Scientology is very old, going back 10,000 years at least to the Veda or Vedic Hymns from the East. The developement of the technology is new.\nHe completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights\nto the Church of Scientology along with most of his consider
498580
So some aliens were in this volcano and the volcano exploded.  Now these aliens were really bad but humans were really good.  So when the volcano exploded these alien's badness covered all the good humans.  So the good humans do bad stuff.  Scientology teaches you how to get rid of the badness of these aliens.  It costs about $400,000 to learn how to get rid of these aliens badness from your human goodness.  I guess if you don't have this money then you can't get rid of this badness.\n\nHow about this instead.  We're all bad and we need to be made good in the eyes of God.  God is perfect and we are not.  To be forgiven for our sins against God we need a savior. Out of God's love for us, He sent a savior, his son, Jesus to bridge the gap between our sinfulness and his perfection.  By repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus to save us , we avoid God's justice and receive the perfect love of God.  And God's love is AWESOME!
612303
Jehovah Witness is in fact a cult. Several ex followers have spoke out about them and there is a ton of anti sites and articles on them. \n\n I personally don't have any respect for cults period.
111085
Scientology is the same as any other religion.  People who claim the bible is wrote by ancient prophets are dumb.  Just because someone was crazy thousands of years ago instead of decades ago somehow gives them more credit.  Dumb.
115904
Scientology is most certainly practiced by millions of everyday people.It was started by L ron Hubbard and has chapters all over.It is also most certainly a cult,although members will argue that point.Scientologists do not believe in conventional medicine.Not even asprin.What if you are a diabetic,and need insulin?A friend of mine(ex friend)has become a minister in the church of scientology,here in Boston.She devotes most of her time and money to it.
156804
I'm confused ,as a Scientologist for the past 35 years, where this\nidea that medication or medical treatment is against our "beliefs", comes from.\nIsn't this Christian Scientists that have this practice or doctrine?\nThere is definitely nothing in Scientology. If you need medical treatment you go to a Dr. If you need surgery you go to hospital.\nIf the length and pain of labour is too long or too much for the mother she gets what help she  needs to get  through it.\nYou are right ,it would be confusing ,if it were actually the case.\nThe only thing that Tom Cruise spoke against was medicating a non medical problem, which Scientologist are against. Specifically in the area of Psychiatric drugs, which solve nothing, cure nothing, are very addictive, and create gruesome side effects including homicidal and suicidal impulses. But this is not medical science.It's a whole other practice.\n\nI hope this helps to clear up the confusion here.
185946
There's a lot of disinformation about Scientology.  Just think about it, big psycho-pharma has a lot to loose if people find theres a way to improve the conditions in their life without drugs -- by soothing the soul rather than drugging the brain.  The information you have presented is not to be found in any Scientology org.  Instead, there are many books you can read, courses you can take, and auditing which you can have and I'll explain auditing later.  Scientology is an applied religious philosophy that goes a step beyond what previous research into mental health was able to accomplish -- rather than just getting you to accept your life as it is, Scientology enables you to improve the conditions in your life.\n\nLiterally, Scientology means the study of truth. Scientologists believe that man is an immortal spiritual being whose experiences extend far beyond just this lifetime. According to Scientology, man's capabilities are unlimited, even if they are not presently realized.\n\nScientologists believe that painful memories from our past can hinder our ability to realize our limitless potential. For this, Scientologists offer auditing which enables people to remove the painful effects of these bad memories. Practically, auditing is a type of counseling using a lie detetector called an E-meter. In auditing, the auditor never invalidates what the pre-clear says. The ultimate aim of auditing is so people can attain the state of "Clear," or a state of freedom from painful past memories. Clears are free from psychosomoatic illnesses, self determined, vigorous and persistent.\n\nScientology's aims are a civilization without insanity, without criminals and without wars. Where the able can prosper, where honest beings can have rights and where man is free to rise to greater heights.\n\nFor this purpose, Scientologists run many humanitarian organizations including Narconon and Criminon, helping people get off drugs, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights, which fights psychiatric abuse, the Applied Scholastics educational system and the Way to Happiness Foundation.\n\nGo to the links below and learn about the charitable work done by Scientologists and go to the church's own website to learn about getting involved in the church. One site that has an awesome resource for how you can handle many of your problems is scientologyhandbook.org. Check it out, see what Scientology offers.
316636
Are Scientologists Considered Atheistic? \nThey don't believe in God? \nWell then look at the definition of the words...\nScientologists don’t believe in God; Atheistic people don’t believe in God, hence Scientologists are Atheistic.\nSounds right to me!\nScientologists are Godless heathens.\nYou got it!