Was Scientology really founded as a joke?
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.
786290
It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. The church harasses and 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 and pain medications Hubbard ingested over the years.\n\nScientologists believe the evil alien ruler Xenu killed a lot of aliens (Thetans) from around the universe by bringing them to earth and blowing them up inside volcanoes. They believe the souls of these aliens (these souls are "Body Thetans") have attached themselves to us and cause many of our mental and physical ills. Even members of the Church of Scientology who know of Xenu will publicly deny the existence of Xenu and Body Thetans, or attempt to minimize their importance. Scientology has many graduated levels through which one can progress. Many who remain at lower levels in the church are unaware of much of the these doctrines, which mostly begin at Operating Thetan level three, or "OT III". Because the information imparted to members is to be kept secret from others who have not attained that level, the member must publicly deny its existence when asked. OT III recipients must sign a waiver promising never to reveal its secrets before they are given the manila envelope containing the Xenu knowledge.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" and 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”...... and we have to pay lots and lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 and $9,000 for advanced sessions) and to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”. The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry and 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 and profound mental disturbance and 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 and 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 and retain its members. (2) It forms an elitist totalitarian society. (3) Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and 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.
756809
This from the guy who hasn't cracked a joke in months!  That's pretty good.\n\nBut seriously, I'm inclined to disagree.  I think this guy's problem is that he's UNserious about his religion.  If he were truly serious, then not only would he NOT have given a thought to his dong, he would hardly have known where it is.  Er, was.
455401
Scientology is not a system of "beliefs". It is an applied religious philosophy. And when I say "applied" I mean it is applied to life and living in all it's aspects with the purpose of improving the conditions of life.\nNothing in Scientology is true, unless it is true for you.\nAnd then it is only true according to your own observation and experience.\nSo there is no belief involved.\nI have studied and applied it to my own life and living for the past 35 years or more. It definitely works for me.\nAs to aliens.....??? No idea where this comes from.\nSilent birth is definitely an ideal environment for both mother and baby if you can arrange it. (Tom Cruise has the resources to do this for his partner Katie and soon to be born, new baby)\nThe reason why is fully explained in Chapter 7 " Prenatal Experience and Birth" in the book "Dianetics The Modern Science of Mental "Health" by L.Ron Hubbard\n\nFor a very good basic book on the subject of Scientology which covers\nall of it's basic principles I would recommend:\n"Scientology The Fundementals of Thought" by the same author.
1117982
scientology is b.s.  a cult and a sick joke.  they love to take money (ALL your money) from their 'followers'.  they have been kicked out of several countries already, including greece. \n\nread the time magazine article from 1990.\n\ncome on, it's a 'religion' started by a bad science fiction author - get a life!
922304
It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. The "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.
920565
Looks like the Scientology cultist is pre-empting me these days.  It's quite sad that he feels so threatened by what I MIGHT say that he tries to invalidate me with ad hominem attacks.\n\nHere is an online book that you can read: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/cooper/index.html\nHere are some more books on the subject:\nhttp://www.amazon.com/Scientology-What-do-they-believe/dp/B00097HC5A/sr=8-2/qid=1162674568/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-7812212-0608922\nhttp://www.amazon.com/Piece-Blue-Sky-Scientology-Dianetics/dp/081840499X/sr=8-3/qid=1162674568/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/102-7812212-0608922?ie=UTF8&s=books\nHere is a book written by someone who had been on the inside:\nhttp://www.amazon.com/Escaping-Scientology-Insiders-True-Story/dp/1596690666/sr=8-6/qid=1162674568/ref=pd_bbs_sr_6/102-7812212-0608922?ie=UTF8&s=books\nHere is a recent news story regarding a family of Scientologists:\nhttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/25/48hours/main2124568.shtml\n\nAccording to an article which interviewed real Scientologists, auditing is purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 and $9,000 for advanced sessions.  It consists of holding a pair of tin cans in your hands.  The tin cans are connected to a small machine that detects electical resistance in the human body.  You recount specific traumatic incidents, prior ethical transgressions and bad decisions to the "auditor" who "interprets" the machine (the e-meter).  Every e-meter is required to bear this warning: "The E-Meter is not medically or scientifically useful for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of any disease. It is not medically or scientifically capable of improving the health or bodily functions of anyone".
597838
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?
1047015
OT14 it is lying, the church has lied to you about this to.\n\nFor example,\nScientology says upon joining that it is compatible with all other faiths.  How is the story of xenu, and the line were hubbard says jesus is an implant compatible with Christianity?  It isn't this is a lie.\n\nHiding the truth, being economical with the truth, white lies, etc, whether you define them as lying or not you are deceiving people.\n\nUpon becoming a clear, hubbard said they would have perfect memories and never get ill.  This is a lie.\n\nHubbard said he writing for a penny a word is ridiculous, better to invent a religion and make millions.  This he didn't lie about.
767364
Exactly.  It is a CULT. Despite what a few fanatical members may say, it IS a cult. The 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.\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. Even members of the Church of Scientology who know of Xenu will publicly deny the existence of Xenu & Body Thetans, or attempt to minimize their importance. Scientology has many graduated levels through which one can progress. Many who remain at lower levels in the church are unaware of much of the these doctrines, which mostly begin at Operating Thetan level three, or "OT III". Because the information imparted to members is to be kept secret from others who have not attained that level, the member must publicly deny its existence when asked. OT III recipients must sign a waiver promising never to reveal its secrets before they are given the manila envelope containing the Xenu knowledge.\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.
911318
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 and blew them up with hydrogen bombs. Their souls then clustered together and 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 and the creator of Scientology) called these clustered spirits "Body Thetans," and the advanced levels in Scientology place considerable emphasis on isolating them and neutralizing their ill effects.\n\nTo rid ourselves of "Body Thetans" and 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”...... and we have to pay lots and lots and lots of money for “auditing” (purchased in 12.5-hour blocks, costing anywhere from $750 for introductory sessions to between $8,000 and $9,000 for advanced sessions) and to take courses on Scientology to advance to higher “levels” in the “church”.  The “church” has also taken a very hostile stance towards psychiatry and 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 and profound mental disturbance and 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. Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics:\n\n(1) It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members [convincing potential members that they are unhappy and Scientology is the only means of helping themselves]. (2) It forms an elitist totalitarian society. [they label everyone who disagrees or questions as a “Suppressive Person” and requires members to “disconnect” from them] (3) Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma. [Yes, that would be Hubbard] (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. [self evident proof for 4 & 5 as it does milk members for virtually everything they have and it’s wealth doesn’t find it’s way back to it’s members or society at all]\n\nCults are extremely harmful. To remain within the strict mental and social confines of a cult for even a short time can have the following disastrous effects:\n\nLoss of choice and free will. Diminished intellectual ability, vocabulary and sense of humor. Reduced use of irony, abstractions and metaphors. Reduced capacity to form flexible and intimate relationships. Poor judgment. Physical deterioration. Malnutrition. Hallucinations, panic, dissociation, guilt, identity diffusion and paranoia. Neurotic, psychotic or suicidal tendencies.
212081
If you're considering Scientology as a reliiogion- stay far, far away from it!  It was started by L Ron Hubbard (yep, the same Science Fiction writer that wrote the bad bok "Battlefield Earth", which was turned into arguably the worst movie of all time).\n\nTry the Operation Clambake site- it has everything rom books to FBI files and huge amounts of information on Scientology\n\nThe url is http://www.xenu.com\n\n(The name of the site is a reference to a claim ade by Hubbard in one of his books that we are descended from clams.)
727040
*chuckle*  Well, being without belief in The Devil, I'd say no, but if you'd like to know just how strange and dangerous Scientology is, check out these links:\n\nThis is what they believe in (including aliens):\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap8nVqpmRkLIn2rqXNPxlCEjzKIX?qid=20061124162841AAdJv3F\nThis is how they view birth (complete silence):\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061109120531AAVpKDj\nThis is how they sell their cult to others:\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsRBlApM2mdSw7XfXIAgOqwjzKIX?qid=20061125081249AAPtMJV\nThis is how much it costs to involve yourself in their cult:\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_as_a_business#Costs\nWatch this short video (around 4 minutes long):\nhttp://theunfunnytruth.ytmnd.com/\nAnd this one:\nhttp://theunfunnysequel.ytmnd.com/
391588
Scientology.  Here's some info:
568444
The answer to this is pretty simple, scientology doesn't care about helping people, they only care about their image and making money. Tom Cruise has mental problems and NEEDS psychiatry, but his religion tells him that he can out think these issues, but as his public appearance has shown, that is not the case.\n\nScientology is not a community of caring individuals hoping to make the world a better place, it is a pyramid scheme trying to rid it's members of individuality and hard earned cash.\n\nI fear for Katie Holmes and ESPECIALLY for her baby.
267505
yeah. scientology is creepy. L Ron Hubbard was a lunatic
144572
Absolutely a cult. Just because people are considered stars doesn't mean they're considered well educated or intelligent. Consider the high profile people who tout scientology who are also getting publicity for jumping on sofa's on national television.  That don't impress me much!  It is unfortunate that so many otherwise logical people are so deceived. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who raised from the dead...I mean aren't all of the others dead...budda, confusious, etc...People need to get into the truth, not into what just "feels good"...Perception of the truth does not alter the truth...give Jesus a call...he's expecting you...