Why do scientologists say?
929786
Because they LIE and MISLEAD and MANIPULATE people into joining.  That is what CULTS do.\n\nI would NEVER join that cult.  I'll tell you why... 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 stablize 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. [this would accurately describe 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.
31119
i like the first answer. It sounds like they are commenting on how we are trained to hear religious dontorine and how people see it as this magic that will cure our lives in an instant,like a spell. Maybe what they are saying is that we need to break free from this pavlovian response to life and to view reality in the moment. that's my understanding. It's very poectic. Thank for the good question!
1016376
scientologists.\n\nthey treat you like crap.\n\n[j]
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".
336772
L. Ron Hubbard told some friends once that writing isn't worth the cent a word that you get paid - if you really want to become rich, he said you should start a religion.  And that's exactly what he did, and it became a multi-million dollar business for him.  People pay to become Scientologists, and the only way to "advance" in the religion is to give Scientology more money.  This helps explain why some of Scientology's most advanced members are celebrities with lots of cash on hand.  Check out the wikipedia article on Scientology - its eye opening, to say the least.  Its a cult, and its a fraud.
433847
The word is SCIENTOLOGY: from the Latin "scio" which means "know or distinguish" and the Greek word "logos" which means "the inward thought" or "reason itself"\nCombined it basically means" Knowing about knowing" .How to know or find out . The science of knowing how to know.\nIt's central principle is that man is a spiritual being. That in fact, you don't HAVE a soul or spirit, you ARE one.\n\nScientology (the name) was coined by it's founder ,L.Ron Hubbard, who after more than 30 years of extensive research into the mind and spirit combined ancient knowledge from the East with new scientific knowledge from the West, to discover or rediscover the fact of the human spirit and exact workable methods to apply to rehabilitate awareness, and ability for the individual so that he can achieve his full potential and also help create a better life,society,civilization, world.\n\nIf you want more specific information about the basic principles of Scientology and knowledge of some simple methods you can personally apply to observe for your self whether it is true or not,\nI highly recommend the basic book:\n"Scientology The Fundementals of Thought" written by L.Ron Hubbard and first published in 1951 to answer your exact question.\nMost local libraries will have a copy.\nThat's how I found out about it back in 1971.
760454
They believe in some sort of God, but their god is some type of alien.\n\nWhile Scientologists acknowledge Jesus Christ as a great spiritual teacher, Scientology doctrine is not based on the teachings of Jesus.  Scientology has its roots in Nihayana Buddhism, and Scientology therefore acknowledges Siddharta Gautama as an exalted spiritual teacher. \nScientology however is not a philosophy of "faith" or "belief", but an application of practical principles to one's life in order to improve conditions.\n \n\nThey believe that your body is invaded with aliens that were banished from their planet a million years ago. And that when you are born, you have the spirits of about 2,000 aliens that you must rid yourself of. They call them Body Thetons (sp?) There's a book by Ron L Hubbard, called Dianetics (Sp?) in which this "religion" is based upon.... \n\nload of nutters if you ask me\n\nas for the amount of celebrities that get involved with it all i can say is they must be very bored with their lives and have way too much money that it has clouded their judgement.
832852
Probably the fact that people like me are willing to speak out about the REALITY of their dangerous cult.\n\nIt's 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. (link to page explaining what hydroxyzine is: 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 (called "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" 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”... & 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 & $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 & 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.
523764
Hi there,\nLong term Scientologist here (for 35 years plus).\nMy answer:\nIt's a "story". \nYOU don't take every story you hear seriously, especially when the source is from dubious websites and general rumour or media ........\n(I hope.)\nWell , neither do we.\nPeople who create this kind of thing usually have their own private agendas and are trying to ridicule and invalidate or attack their target for some hidden reason that you do not see.\nThis is not a new activity specific to the religion of Scientology.(or even religions actually)\nThe Romans circulated all kinds of rumours about the early Christians,\nto justify throwing them to the lions as a popular public event.\nHitler circulated similar false and alarming rumours about the Jews, not so long ago, (one of which was that they ate babies! ).\nThis allowed 6 million human beings to be murdered without any public protest from the German people.\nAnd so it goes on.
846904
There are Scientology schools, where most kids who were born into it go, but I have never heard of it being taught in public school.  You wouldn't attend these schools unless you were a Scientologist though, thankfully.  Scientology has kind of seeped into many aspects of society by way of a number of front groups that do various things for the community, like Narconon and the like.  These groups do not advertise that they are really Scientologists, so it is very possible that if you heard that Scientology was being taught in ____ school, it's definitely run by Scientologists.
272681
Short answer is it is a cult.  Here is a basic rundown of their belief system...\nThe word Scientology literally means "the study of truth." It comes from the Latin word "scio" meaning "knowing in the fullest sense of the word" and the Greek word "logos" meaning "study of." \n\nScientology is the study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these: \n\nMan is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized — and those capabilities can be realized. He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. \n\nIn Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results. \n\nThrough Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom. \n\nSee the following links for more info.
840578
Same reason they start sentences with "Honestly" or "I swear to god".\n\nAnd it's not just Americans.\n\nBTW, did you know that when someone is being dishonest, they are more likely to invoke the name of god?
767610
instead lets send all the scientologists to mexico on a goodwill mission to "improve" living conditions.  \n To the one who made the statement; \n "What if we give you a brain and take away your computer?"   That would not be a good trade because He would lose a computer and you would still not have anything of value to trade.  UG! Me say, no good one deal.( folds arms)\n\n  This is fun.
895989
E X A C T L Y.\n\nbecause people do not want to hear the truth- they want to sugar coat it- add to it- or water it down so it pleases them....The bible even warns us of those people- in Proverbs it says "do not add to His words, lest he rebuke you and call you a liar"\n\nThey make up a god to suit themselves- they are not even speaking of the one TRUE God when they make stuff up- they are making a god to please them...
830411
They are trying to convince themselves that they really don't believe. I don't think it's a cult, but rather a weird way to attract attention. Most other religious people do not run around telling all that they meet, what their beliefs are. I say each to his own! Try having an "athiest" tell you why they believe the way they do.....The answer is usually very long and drawn out.
1030063
Yes, your are correct.  People do need to learn the truth about the Cult of Scientology so they are not duped themselves.\n\nYes the Church of Scientology is a destructive cult.\n\nI don't think it was right to call PL a 'nutjob'.  All sorts of different people join the cult for different reasons, some are very intelligent and highly productive people.  Intelligence doesn't always protect you from fraud, or being duped by a cult.  We should try to point PL to the truth about scientology.  Once we have done that, it is his choice about whether he follows scientology or not, and should not be persecuted for such.  It is my opinion/observation that if a member, he most likely hasn't spent any time looking at critical information from the church, as they aren't allowed to.\n\nHere is another site about Tom & Scientology.\nhttp://www.tomcruiseisnuts.com/\n\nHere is the main site critical of Scientology.\nhttp://www.clambake.org (same as http://www.xenu.net )\n\nIf you like video's instead look at this site http://www.xenutv.com\n\nFor comparison here is the Official site for CofS\nhttp://www.scientology.org\n\nI have been labelled a religious nazi for my comments about scientology, so be warned.\nhttp://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsEjidOELOCFONPt3ylQLHggBgx.?qid=20060625061002AAKDm4y\nhttp://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Al6vXIkbu4790qj7E8flh4sgBgx.?qid=20060625063012AATeRkr\n\nYou can comment on this in my open question.\nhttp://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiAJIr1H.UXHquWyu0v_qRggBgx.?qid=20060625141629AApOshT
776774
People claim paranoia on your part out of fear of the unknown.\n\nWhat you are basically suggesting when you ask them about it is whether something out of the ordinary is taking place... which generally means something less inherantly predictable and understandable. \nSince people are afraid of what they don't understand, the last thing they want is for unpredictable circumstances of a potentially negative nature to be entering into their lives. As such they will try to blot such things out and deny their existence. Naturally if you are trying to tell them that such things are happening in the vicinity, whether it involves them or not, they see it as a potential threat and want to try and convince you that its not actually happening. \nThen again, they typically don't want to try and invest the time to convince you that it isn't real... especially when its more of an instinctual reaction than a well-reasoned one.... thus they will typically take the short route of immediately dismissing it as paranoia on your part, and telling you so.\n\nNaturally those who have already experienced it wouldn't be receiving any further disruption by your asking them about it.... but rather the fact that you too had witnessed the same thing as them would reassure them that it was more than just them at risk of the unknown... and moreover that more people experiencing it means more people to come to terms with it and understand it... thus making it less of a threat......... hence why THEY will agree and not cite it as paranoia.\n\n\nDoes that answer your question?