Scientology..,is it the most bizzare set of religeous beliefs ever put forth or am i hallucinating?
597773
Yes, you are hallucinating and confused. How long have you had this problem?\nWhere are you getting your information from? I'm guessing the media\nand various bogus websites. Is this your usual method of discovery?\n\nI have no desire to convert you to anything, but I will give you some facts about Scientology:\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"\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\nHope you are a bit less confused. Let me know. \nAs to the hallucinations, I'm not sure if I can help you with that.\n\n(Oh,  and yes I am a Scientologist !)
804013
This is what Scientologists ACTUALLY believe:\n\nXenu was an alien ruler of the "Galactic Confederacy" who, 75 million years ago, brought billions of people to Earth in spacecrafts resembling Douglas DC-8 airliners, stacked them around volcanoes & blew them up with hydrogen bombs. Their souls then clustered together & stuck to the bodies of the living. The alien souls continue to do this today, causing a variety of physical ill-effects in modern-day humans. L. Ron Hubbard (a science-fiction writer & the creator of Scientology) called these clustered spirits "Body Thetans," & the advanced levels in Scientology place considerable emphasis on isolating them & neutralizing their ill effects.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" & also “engrams” (past negative experiences stored in our unconscious mind) so that we can become “clear”, we have to go through "auditing" with a member of the “church” who uses an "e-meter" to measure our “reactive mind”...... & we have to pay lots & lots & lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 & $9,000 for advanced sessions) & to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”.  The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry & psychiatric drugs irrespective of the fact that some people require medication to remain adequately functional in everyday life.  They deny the reality of chemical imbalance & profound mental disturbance & accordingly do NOTHING to effectively stabilize the dangerously unstable. The “church” has been known to withhold prescription pharmaceuticals from member (with deadly results).\n\nKabbalah literally means "receiving", in the sense of a "received tradition". Kabbalah esoterically interprets the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and classical Jewish texts (halakha and aggadah) and practices (mitzvot), as expressing a mystical doctrine concerning God's simultaneous immanence and transcendence, an attempted resolution to the ancient paradox of how the ultimate Being—"that which is not conceivable by thinking" (Isaac the Blind)—nevertheless comes to be known and experienced by the created world. Because of the interpretive liberties taken by kabbalistic thinkers, and the possible heresies to which they may easily lead, study of Kabbalah was traditionally restricted to a select few Rabbis and Torah scholars.\n\nJehovah's Witness believe that they must proselytize door to door to as many people as they possibly can in order to spread their "true" religion among the masses.  They believe practically every other religion in existence is "false" while theirs is "true".  They believe all holidays and birthdays to be either pagan in nature or inspired by false religion. They believe that the male is the final decider in all familial matters and that homosexuality is an abomination. They do not accept blood transfusions. They believe death is a state of nonexistence and that only a very few souls will make it to heaven.  They believe that no one is in heaven yet, and that when people DO go to heaven, there will only be 144,000 chosen.
400068
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.
679519
I'm a Scientologist and I definately agree with Thetaalways in terms of a discription of the religion itself and how it grows. That last part of it with the 5 points is an L. Ron Hubbard quote and should have been put in quote marks. Hubbard is the founder of Scientology.\n\nHowever, I remember when I was looking at different religious groups trying to figure out which one (or ones) were for me. For me the "Pluses" are it has helped me solve many of the problems I used to have in life and made me a better student in school. \n\nThere is only one "sort of negative" I can think of is that because there is SO MUCH false information on what it is out in the media, and intolerance in this world I sometimes find myself having to defend my choice to others. This can get a little irritating at times because I may be doing something COMPLETELY unrelated to being a Scientologist when I have to handle someone verbally attacking me SOLELY on that basis.\n\nEven this has had the unintended side effect of making me and excellent debator, and made it so I had to look at materials related other parts of Scientology I might not have otherwise. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of data on whatever subject you can think of contained in Scientology.\n\nIf you are searching for a religion I sugest http://www.religioustolerance.org/ as it has good descriptions of the various choices out there. If you want data on Scientology in particular I suggest borrowing a copy of "What Is Scientology" from the library and looking at the online site here: http://www.whatisscientology.org/\n\nThis way you can look at all the important data before making a decision for yourself.\n\nGood Luck with that!
417378
L. Ron Hubbard invented it.  I don't really understand what they teach.  I was trying to read about it last week, but I don't get it, here's there link.
558724
Scientology! ughhhh tom cruise and his messed up beliefs! why should anybody have to have a "silent birth"?! its totally ridiculous and full of crap.
928624
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.
773082
I could have written this question myself, and I look forward to your answers received.  I too am of the mind that it is what we are taught, and in the worst cases what we are taught to fear the questioning of.\n\nI always thought it would be an interesting (although possibly psycologically cruel) experiment to take a child or two from each of the major religions and raise them with no mention or concept of "god" or religion.  Would the develop a belief of their own?  At least it would be interesting to see what an intelligent person would lean toward if they only learn of the concept of god after growing to an age where they can decide on their own.\n\nI feel that is what I did, but in reverse, and it sounds like what happened to you as well.  As I got older and learned more about our world, I found that I didn't really believe what I was taught all my life.  Frankly, I don't feel the need to believe in a god or religion.\n\nI believe in being a good person as much as I can be, and that is fundamentally based in not causing other creatures intentional harm and living a moral and decent life.  Very similar ideas to what most religions teach.\n\nI also think it is a fine line between a religion and a cult.  Religions just have broad acceptance.  Kind of like if in 3000 years, the Branch Davidians were the most popular religion and David Coresh is referred to as Jesus is today.  Obviously that won't happen, and I really only used that example because I think it is the one most people will know of whom I am speaking.
18076
According to what I understand about Scientology (not an immense amount, but enough to have an opinion - ;-)), the Scientologist does not believe that we are ultimately material beings, therefore, anything that is happening to us physically is not really happening, it is an illusion.  So, ANY form of disorder or illness would be an illusion, not just post-partum depression.  The argument, I think, should not be whether or not suffering is an illusion - it doesn't matter, because it certainly FEELS real and because of that alone, should be dealt with.  If there are medications to help us change our "perception" of reality so that it helps us or others, it should be considered as all a part of the "scientological" process (whatever it REALLY is).  If Katie Holmes gets hit by a truck (God forbid), Tom's view of reality will most certainly be affected, whether it is real or not. It would be enlightening to see what Scientologists as outspoken as Mr. Cruise would do in such an earth-shattering situation - would he hold to his beliefs or not??
486559
For those of you whose Christian toes I may have stepped on, let me take the opportunity to disabuse you of some lovely myths. For instance, the historic Jesus was not nearly the sainted figure (he) has been made out to be. In addition to being a lover of young boys and men, he was given to uncontrollable bursts of temper and hatred.... You have only to look at the history his teachings inspired to see where it all inevitably leads. It is historic fact and yet man still clings to the ideal, so deep and insidious is the biologic implanting.... \nNo doubt you are familiar with the Revelations section of the Bible where various events are predicted. Also mentioned is a brief period of time in which the arch-enemy of Christ, referred to as the anti-Christ, will reign and his opinions will have sway ... this anti-Christ represents the forces of Lucifer (literally, the "light-bearer" or "light-bringer"), Lucifer being a mythical representation of the forces of enlightenment.... My mission could be said to fulfill the Biblical promise represented by this brief anti-Christ period. \n-- L. Ron Hubbard, Student Briefing, OT VIII Series I\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\n\n_ \n\n1. Introduction\nThe controversial Church of Scientology had its beginnings in 1950 with the publication of the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health by L. Ron Hubbard. \n\nAccording to Dianetic theory, the mind is composed of mental image pictures of every event in a person's life. Memories, or pictures, of painful events from the past containing pain or unconsciousness are known in Dianetics as "engrams." By recalling and "erasing" these memories a person can be restored to perfect physical and mental health and analytical functioning. A person whose engrams have all been erased is called a "Clear." \n\nIt is the purpose of Scientology to "clear the planet." In other words, that every person in the world will eventually be cleared of his engrams through Dianetic "processing." \n\nBy 1954, Hubbard had "discovered" that in order to be truly "clear," a person also had to erase all the engrams from his hundreds of past lives. The new science of Scientology was founded and organized as a religion to incorporate this belief. Sooner or later, most people in Scientology will begin to "remember" (imagine) their past lives. \n\nScientologists do believe in reincarnation, which is an occult belief. \n\nAccording to the theology of Scientology, a person is actually an invisible entity, similar to the soul in Christianity. This entity in Scientology is known as the "thetan." \n\nAs the thetan becomes relieved of his engrams, he will regain the many godlike powers that are inherently his -- powers such as telepathy, "exteriorization" (the ability to be separate from his body with full perception), telekinesis (the ability to move objects with thought), etc. The belief in Scientology is that we were once godlike, and that we have deteriorated over time. The promise of Scientology is that through Scientology counseling, called "auditing," the person can regain these godlike abilities. \n\nA thetan who has been restored to a godlike state is known in Scientology as an "operating thetan," or "OT" (pronounced "oh-tee"). People in Scientology spend exorbitant fees, sometimes as much as $1000 per hour, to attain the exalted state of OT. \n\nDeath in Scientology is known as "dropping the body." According to Scientology theory, when a person dies, he (the thetan, or spirit) has been pre-programmed to "return" to an "implant station" out in space. In the implant station, the thetan will have all memories from the most recent lifetime electronically erased, and then the thetan will be sent back to earth to "pick up a new
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I'm glad someone else is curious :D I've asked the same question here (and didn't get much, but I did do my own research), so I will help you as much as I can. \n\nhttp://www.religioustolerance.org/scientol.htm\nThat site is great to get a basic view of Scientology, and to be linked to sites sponsored by Scientologists that explain a bit further. \n\nBut to know the deep down wweird alien related stuff that they talk about you can go here: \nhttp://sf.irk.ru/www/xenuleaf.htm\nBut beware, since Scientologists believe that if you are not ready for that information, you may die. (Yeah I read it and am still alive, haha)\n\nHere is a good critical of Scientology site that was written by an ex-member who had been a Scientologist for 27 years: \nhttp://www.xenu.net/\nI cant attest to how reputable it is, but he seems to very much know his stuff. I was unconvinced that Scientology was as cult-ish as I had heard it was until I visited that site.\n\n\nJust to give you a simple run-down though: They believe that everyone is comprised of a Thetan (like a soul) that has to be released from this world otherwise it will keep being reborn again- so somewhat like Buddhism, except that in the later stages of belief, they think they can have their Thetan move into the afterlife with telapthic skills rather than meditation, etc. \nThey do not believe in Psychology, or medication/drugs/chemicals because they feel that the evil or odd doings of your body is due to the past lives of your Thetan and that medication will impurify you rather than help you. They have big purification processes involving excersice and a strict diet. \nThey do believe in the alien story that I posted a link to above, however very few of them know of this story. Figure heads like Tom Cruise are not told that story, because, I think, they know it's fricken crazy. \nThey do ask for a ton of money from followers, in fact you have to give a certian amount to learn more about the religion. Followers are afraid to look it up for fear that they aren't ready for the information and it could kill them (or at least they are convinced).
1029145
If You Want To Face Reality!....Yes, It's Strange!......This Is A Religious/Spiritual Site And 95% Of The People Who Log On To This Site Are Atheists, Agnostics, GOD Haters, And Folks Who Are Disrespecting, Judging, Condemning, Mocking, Rude, And Insulting The Religious/Spiritual Beliefs!!!!!...So, Yes, I Would Say That It's STRANGE TOO!.......Ps. You Have Any Ideas As To What To Do About It?...We're All Ears!....
200073
I believe it, but I do not know the truth. I think it's ironic that after years of ridiculing all other religions nothing is said until Scientology gets ranked.
1153356
Hello, crazy guy! Are you trying to start your own crazy religion, like scientology, only less money-mad?\n\nDarwin's theory of evolution holds pretty well up to reality. How could you ever believe the opposite?
1179788
Well said Liam,but I think you are far too gentlemanly in your replies to foxtel.This guy is obviously a Scientoligist,which means you cannot have a rational debate with him.He has threatened you with the rtc,this is gang whose sole purpose is to hound,threaten & discredit any-one who dares to disagree with Scientology.They hire private detectives to dig up dirt to blackmail critics into silence,and expensive lawers to threaten legal proceedings.Scietology is not a religeon,it' a mafia,dedicated to gaining as much money & power as possible,using any means,no matter how vile.
1097184
I'm not sure.\n\nOn the one hand, it seems taht once you rise to the top of the power structure, and worshipers are praising you and giving you money, you've got to be shrewd enough to realize that there is a good possiblity that it all isn't real.  For example I can't for a second imagine that the people at the very top of sceintology don't know it's all a big made-up scam.\n\nBut the other school of thought is that if you are doing something immoral, like benefiting from the religious faith of others and their money, your mind can't stand the guilt and a good way to rationalize what you are doing is to truly believe it yourself.  Sometimes the cult leader even takes the poison himself!
905529
It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. Tom Cruise is so crazy about it because they have completely, utterly, absolutely BRAINWASHED him.  He of course was a willing participant in the beginning and could have left (with a bit of a struggle) but after a while, they had him under their control.\n\nThe "church" harasses & bullies anyone who they deem an "enemy" (basically anyone who has anything negative to say about the "church"). They will RUIN YOUR LIFE if you speak out against them long enough.\n\nThe founder is L. Ron Hubbard, the science FICTION writer who once told a friend that the best way to make lots of money is to start your own religion. Though being a very outspoken critic of psychiatric drugs, it was discovered upon Hubbards death that the anti-anxiety drug hydroxyzine (Vistaril) was present in his body, which several of his assistants would later attest was only one of many psychiatric & pain medications Hubbard ingested over the years. (visit this link to read about the uses of hydoxyzine: http://www.drugs.com/mtm/v/vistaril.html )\n\nScientologists believe the evil alien ruler Xenu killed a lot of aliens (Thetans) from around the universe by bringing them to earth & blowing them up inside volcanoes. They believe the souls of these aliens (these souls are "Body Thetans") have attached themselves to us & cause many of our mental & physical ills. Members who know about Xenu will attempt to deny it or pretend like it doesn’t matter.  They are required to sign a contract binding them to silence on the matter.  Lower level members don’t know about Xenu & accordingly deny everything because they honestly don’t know.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" & also “engrams” (past negative experiences stored in our unconscious mind) so that we can become “clear”, we have to go through "auditing" with a member of the “church” who uses an "e-meter" to measure our “reactive mind”...... & we have to pay lots & lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 & $9,000 for advanced sessions) & to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”. The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry & psychiatric drugs irrespective of the fact that some people require medication to remain adequately functional in everyday life. They deny the reality of chemical imbalance & profound mental disturbance & accordingly do NOTHING to effectively stabilize the dangerously unstable. The “church” has been known to withhold prescription pharmaceuticals from member (with deadly results).\n\nScientology is undeniably a cult. For more information on what a cult is & what their damaging effects are, please visit the link provided at the bottom of the sources. Just know that Scientology DOES qualify by meeting these 5 criteria:\n\n(1) It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate & retain its members. (2) It forms an elitist totalitarian society. (3) Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable & has charisma. (4) It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds & recruit people. (5) Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.