Wow. I am speechless. Maybe I should have chosen sci-fi instead of horror. It's hard to create a religion out of Pinhead and Jason. Hey, wait a minute--I could use Cthulhu! Yippee. I have seen the light.

sweet xenu! these people are totally...uh, something.

ah, and i see dawn, you're looking as hot as ever.

yes Il, all religions have their implausibilities, but Scientology seems cobbled from the fever dreams of a sci-fi writer. Oh wait, it was.

Nice job Dawn!

disclaimer: i've actually read "dianetics".

not proud of it or nothin' tho...

Jenna better dial up ol' Xenu a little more often- her career, if you could call it that, is disappearing fast.

Yeah Mark, these weekly make-overs are fun, but man, it's tiresome.

Scientology is the most ass-cracked, double-whacked, hardcore-smack nonsense to be concocted by man.

I'd rather be known as a Wiccan or a Satanist for crying out loud.

So, wait, you're saying Incident II didn't really happen?

Oh great leader of the galactic confederacy, why must you fool me so?

What career DJR? And tell me that having a show that pokes fun of Buddhism isn't the richest of ironies.

at least wiccans have cool bumper stickers.

And cool fashion accessories!

i was gonna say that but then the freaking dj will take my ManCard(tm) away from me again.

DJ is a little cranky these days.

Or wait, is it Mark that's cranky? Or maybe it's that Suss fellow?

I can't keep track anymore.

Oh, my god! I just realized Xenu spelled backwards is...Unex...aghhh! I can't breathe...I shouldn't, gasp, have said that...gasp...ughhhh...(sound of body hitting floor, then silence).

Don't worry, Saleski, yours is still in a severe state of revocation.

I'm 12% less grouchy this week than last.

i'm not cranky anymore, since i've been eclipsed by the dj.

yes Il, all religions have their implausibilities, but Scientology seems cobbled from the fever dreams of a sci-fi writer. Oh wait, it was.

Not only that, but it was created on a bet between Hubbard and Heinlein over who could launch the most successful bogus religion.

The scary part of all this is that from all accounts Jenna and Bodhi are the LESS insane members of the giant Elfman clan of loonies.

Dave

What I find interesting is how much Scientology bashing there is. Sure they deserve it because if you have to spend money to be in the religion and advance in it (that's why you hear of celebs in it, they can afford it!).

Mormons ask for tithe, but don't require it. You definitely don't have to pay a fee to sign up and don't have to fork over hundreds of thousands to be a member.

Here is the funny thing: If Scientology dropped any money requirements WHATSOEVER, would it still be the source of jokes?

I contend it should not be, because then it would be just as legitimate a religion as any other.

I think they SHOULD drop all money requirements so they can make this argument. The fact they do not shows that they are not a religion, just a way to extort HUGE sums of money out of suckers.

very interesting points Ty!

And I think the husband looks more like a gnome than an elf

Wow Eric, I hadn't even considered what uncanny, but appropriate name Elfman is for a guy like Bodhi. Hehe, nice observation!!

Why are these people so sensitive, when on one hand they claim to be so sure of themselves and know about everything? (Like Tom Cruise claims to know about medications and psychology.)They don't seem to be able to let anything roll off their backs or take a joke.

I can't believe they hoodwinked Vinny Bobarino.

They seemed to have hoodwinked a few people.

I wonder if born and raised Scientologist Beck has had any bizzare outbursts? Or, has he mostly flown beneath the radar?

Thank you for this hilarious article, which brightened my afternoon. The best part is that no embellishment was required, just a light varnish of low-key sardonic wit. Terrific stuff!

Mark Saleski: "I see Dawn"

Sure that's not the light of Xenu (or Xemu or Zebu or whatever)?

Good one, Dawn! You bring light to darkness...

Them R6-implant aliens blowed up real good, but it creeps me out that I have some of the Incident II soul-residue sticking to me. Ewww...

Anyone consider that Roecker might be lying for free publicity? Seems obvious to me.

Remember how Rosie O'Donnell blushed before she came out of her solid closet--when she had Tommy-girl (Cruise) on her show?!
Oops--then she was out and a big "L"!
It will maybe take a few more years for us to realize that Oprah did that same BS show when she let that weidro jump up and down on her couch....(in his stupid underwear?) and then she will be outed as the most powerful LESBIAN in the UNIVERSE!
Can anybody imagine her with a dude anyhow?
I don't--only with all those hot and famous DIVAS in the park of her ESTATE. Giving expensive presents and talking ONLY about "women-stuff" What about Keanu & Sandra--are they Scientologist? Cause they sparkle on screen like a fireckracker--under water.
You all just wait--until I announce my own church. Gays, Lesbians, Republicans and Democrats, Losers and Winners--all welcome, even Bottox-victems like Keanu.
Get ready for The Church of Marilyn Monroe!

To #27: Anyone consider that Greg might be blind, stupid and corrupt?! With other words: A SCIENTOLOGIST! Hey--can you share with us how that dude (Hubbard) died? I heard the strangest stories. Did they really got rid of him? Please share with us your narrowed view and memory of what they told you to tell us in order to leave our money with you to--for you to turn so-so actors/actresses into movie stars and birth machines to cover their real GAY personas.
Better a VEGETARIAN than a freakin SCIENTOLOGIST!

"My own Philosophy is that one should share what wisdom he has, one should help others to help themselves, and one should keep going despite heavy weather for there is always a calm ahead."
L. Ron Hubbard

Whatever--ha ha ha, if you take the wisdom out and put the word money in--that works way better, dude!

Ron Blubbard


An actress is not a machine, but they treat you like a machine. A money machine.
Marilyn Monroe

Dear Dawn, good solid writing, I enjoyed it. My God you're brave though concidering how many people Cruise has sued. I used to deliver pizzas to the Scientology headquarters here in Columbus, they'd order $200 worth of merchendise, and then instead of tipping they'd try to talk me into donating their pizzas to their cause so they woouldn't have to pay for them.

I don't often find an article worth reading all the way through, but I enjoyed this one, keep up the good work.


I know I'll regret this, but could someone explain to me what the hell Marilyn Monroe has to do with this subject????

Just wondering...

Actually, Mimi Rogers was the one who got Tom Cruise into Scientology in the first place. See Tilman Hausherr's Celebrities In Scientology FAQ: on snafu.de She also got Sonny Bono in. She was born into Scientology.

Homer Simpson: "Celebrities--is there anything they don't know?"

Lol? I now know that I am a 100% sure that I am sane!

anyone know where you can get that t-shirt from?! i want one!!!

Yes Mimi got him into the religion, but she herself rejected it. That says a lot if you ask me.

Ah, this was fun. I suppose I can see the shirt being offensive - just trying to put myself in their shoes.

However, I do NOT agree with their tactics or ideologies. Any group that has to segregate those that question their fath, and subject them to all that brainwashing stuff -- and no contact with families

not good.

aha hahahaha ahahahaha ahahahha ahahaha ahahaha ahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahaha aaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaha aaaahahahahahahahah hahahahahha aaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
aaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!! yep galactic confederacy!!! ahahahahahahaha aaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahah aaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

I believe all organized religion that earns any money in any way is bullshit... Scientology just brainwashes far fewer people and takes many more dollars from them.

That having been said Scientology also likes to kill or kidnap members who may desert or start to bad-mouth the religion. (not that most other religions haven't piled the bodies high and deep over the years...)

More on that here: whyaretheydead.net

That's what I fear for "Katie" and that Tomcat for the media "produced" poor Baby. Not that it is "poor" don't get me wrong--it will swim in money--but it might become one of the loneliest children in Hollywood...I agree with you, David.

L. Ron Hubbard


The Mysterious Death of L. Ron Hubbard : On January 24 1986, under circumstances that can at best be characterised as 'suspicious', L. Ron Hubbard died. Although his condition had been steadily deteriorating for years, even the coronor noted that there were irregularities surrounding his death, including the presence in his body of vast quantities of Vistaril, a powerful ani-psychotic medication.
Newscasts about Hubbard's death : Two local Los Angeles newscasts detail the announcement of Hubbard's death which was overshadowed that day by the Challenger shuttle disaster.
The death of L Ron Hubbard, another page on the matter. Also availble in German: Der Tod von L. Ron Hubbard (PDF)

I would rather have fun, seeing this mocker treated by muslims or christians for such a come-down on THEIR religion.
Does he take advantage of the fact, that there are too few Scientologists, to mock them out?
As a Catholic, I, personally, would rather dislike it if someone tried to mock out Jesus.
When one mocks Judaism, Jews react with courts and so on. When one from Denmark mocked the prophet Mohammad, muslims burnt Western embassays throughout the world.

Dude where can I get that shirt?

Roecker makes his point very clear. Bill Maher did it in some fun ways in his last episoded before the summer break. Do you remember those painful interviews of John Travolta and his "wife" Kelly Preston? They are holding hands constantly--as if they just met an faell in love. I mean come on--once you got married you don't have to show the world how much you are in "LOVE" or how much your church members have set up the almost perfect and believable stunt.
Staying alive---ah ah ah ah staying alive...

1 - 800 - Gimme ur cash

The thing about scientology is that it seems like these people are just bored with there lives. Also how can you sue someone for making fun of your religion, if that was the case Jews/Muslims/Cathlics would be super rich and atheists on the street.

What I find odd is that while you normally spend your time pricking the smug balloons of celebrity ego and seeing through their calculated PR moves, your disdain for Scientology has blinded you to being duped into promoting a publicity hound who wishes he was a celebrity.

He was the one with the intentionally offensive shirt. He was the one telling his story on radio stations and web sites. This guy is a director of some lame puppet movie that no one has seen, so spare me the designation of "indie film director." Try "straight to the bargin bin of Tower Records" director.

"the Church of Scientology is definitely the most insecure of all religions"

Really? Have they killed anyone or stormed the streets in protest? Telling someone their beliefs are gay is not playful banter.

I'm not a Scientology defender. It's wacky and doesn't make a lick of sense, but neither do other religions. Even yours. Tell us your beliefs and I guarantee I can poke holes in it and show you how goofy it is. Some cults just have more followers and have been around longer, so they get more credibility. But hey, if a set of beliefs works for someone, more power to them.

Um, Ignatius, no one is beyond my wrath, and that directly applies to a "religion" known entirely for soaking people of their money, will and good sense.

Scientology isn't just wacky, it's the wackiest of the wacky. It is completely without any basis in reality and provides zero virtue or social improvements - it is an organization purely for the sake of making money and protecting itself and the elite and wealthy members in its highest echalons of power. They as a group and its members can collectively fuck the hell off.

As for Roecker, who gives a fat fig what he does or doesn't do for a living. He had the temerity to stick it to the Scientology man, so he gets total props on this occasion.

Telling someone their beliefs are gay is not playful banter.

Actually, I think the point was more that two of their most prominent adherents are gay, no?

Perhaps all religions ARE whacky to one degree or another, but Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, among many others, certainly have had longer histories and greater numbers of believers, not to mention more credible founders/prophets, which characteristics alone lend them greater legitimacy than Scientology.

Brad and Janet were Scientologists. Magenta and Frank-N-Furter were Roman Catholic.

the idea of god has no basis in reality either. and tithing sure sounds like a scheme to get your money too. so, tell me, how are most of the organized religions any different than scientology?

Well, I'm sure the world is quaking in their boots knowing you might turn your gaze toward them, but I'm wasn't trying to disrupt the love fest. Merely pointing out the contradiction of getting used by one Hollywood hack while tearing down another.

He's not some noble truth seeker, but a shameless self-promoter who'll you only be mocking later if enough people fall for his garbage. Of course, the fact that his notoriety derives from this incident and not his "indie film" speaks volumes. The fact that he is intentionally offensive points to his immaturity.

I'm much more impressed by people who stand up for their beliefs and are willing to speak out, regardless of how foolish they are.

"it is an organization purely for the sake of making money and protecting itself and the elite and wealthy members in its highest echalons of power."

Sounds like all organized religions to me. Again, feel free to state yours, so we understand how much better your beliefs are.

Clavos, having more credibilty than Scientology is rather a low bar to set. And the number of people that fall for it, I mean, believe it, only signifies that it is a bigger cult. Scott Adams said it best, "You can never underestimate the stupidity of the general public."

A lot of people still watch "E.R." and it's been around for a while. That doesn't mean it's a good show.

Tom Cruise had his own little hissy fit in an interview with Peter Overton on the Australian 60 Minutes.

And here's a bit of the transcipt:

PETER OVERTON: I've done my fair share of celebrity interviews and often you'll be asked to meet certain requirements, like watch the movie that the star is promoting. But this is something new -- Tom Cruise's office has asked me to come to the Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles to embark on a four-hour crash course in Scientology and what it's all about. Why, then, was it a condition of me talking to you today that I had to spend quite an intense four-and-a-half hours in the Church of Scientology here in Los Angeles?

TOM CRUISE: You didn't have to. You could have said no.

PETER OVERTON: I felt I had to.

TOM CRUISE: Okay. Well that's how you felt. People are interested in Scientology and I find that people wanted to know. They want to know about it. It's also... There's people out there that want help and that need help.

PETER OVERTON: Would you also agree there's a perception out there that it gets bad press -- cult-like secrecy, controlling -- and you almost have to defend it?

TOM CRUISE: You know, I don't feel... Ignorance breeds bigotry, breeds racism, okay? You have been there and you've seen it for yourself. Okay?

PETER OVERTON: Do you feel discriminated against when people say this is what Scientology is, that you're a bunch of lunatic fringe or whatever?

TOM CRUISE: Peter?

PETER OVERTON: Tom?

TOM CRUISE: No-one's ever said that to me.

PETER OVERTON: No, I mean that perception out there.

TOM CRUISE: But that's not the perception out there. That is absolutely -- maybe from your perspective.

PETER OVERTON: This isn't my personal opinion, I'm just saying, how do you feel about that when people...

TOM CRUISE: Well, how would you feel?

PETER OVERTON: If it was my faith, I'd feel really...

TOM CRUISE: Not even your own faith -- I find that appalling when people who don't know what they're talking about say things like that. I think it's ... I think it's appalling. I think it's appalling that they're still burning synagogues in France. I think it's appalling how certain Muslims are being treated. I think it's absolutely appalling when we talk about freedom of speech and human rights. I think it's appalling that they electric shock people. I think it's appalling that they drug children. I think it's appalling that they say that there are no solutions for those things. I think it's appalling that people have to live a life of drug addiction when I have personally -- personally -- helped people get off drugs.

Ignatius, people standing up for their beliefs in and of itself is noble in no way. What of the beliefs of the KKK, NAMBLA or Al Queda?

I mean think about that statement. Everyone's beliefs are open to scrutiny under the gaze of public opinion, but Scientology is very exclusionary, self-protective and the tithing they require is beyond the pale.

As for religions of all kinds, they should be eyed with a healthy dose of scepticism, but Scientology encourages more of this with their creepy secrecy.

And again as for Roecker, who cares if he's a self-promoter. So is the Church of Scientology - assuming you have really, really, really deep pockets.

Brad and Janet were Scientologists. Magenta and Frank-N-Furter were Roman Catholic

Ahh, thank you Silas, for clearing this up. (Besides, gave me a good chuckle)

So, what was Eddie? (probably the church of Hannibal Lector)

it would appear interviewers are better off avoiding the topic of Scientology with Tom Terrific

Scientologists make me feel ill.

John Roecker is Gay, ver very Gay but he is also right very very right.

Ok I Understand Tom cruise is an Alien and is Gay..............Ok Thank you !

So, what was Eddie? (probably the church of Hannibal Lector)

Definitely a Baptist.

For those of you who don't realize how dangerous this cult is... "The Truth About Scientology"

Scientology is so unorthodox-ive heard if your being murdered, your not allowed to scream...

A little over a year ago I wrote a blog after the Today show incident.

There is of course a long-standing silencing that this religion does to those who do not agree with it. See also the scientology episode of Southpark. It is not a good career move apparently to bad-mouth scientology.

I have been down to Venice beach and in other places in LA where you can get your free stress test and eventually liberation from your own thoughts. It is sad to see so many people who are being taken advantage of, but in a way its kind of good so that people can be sorted into the category of "easily manipulated."

In terms of Roecker, I wish I had thought of the idea. I don't know if I would put down that scientology is gay, maybe something more along the lines of a sci fi knockoff t-shirt of "War Of The Worlds."

For any mom and dad and all of you who still believe in Santa and the Tom & Katie BS set-up! Open your eyes and realize that we don't need Aliens to be scared--we have Scientology!

there just another satanic cult who want bitch slapping and yea tom cruise is a total gaylord

Oh come on now. Tom Cruise is straighter than Clint Eastwood. He's a man's man. A total stud. I bet Katie rides him like the Lone Ranger rode Silver. No male member of Scientology is even remotely gay. Everybody says they cause Gaydar to go off the screen. It's all an illusion. Once they were "cleared", their molecular construction becomes such that all gaydar is rendered useless. Poor Tommy is a victim.

ok let me get this stright this so-called religion is made up by one guy who writes sci fi and talkes about how aliens have come to earth ect..... seriously who the hell belives this stuff???? how could u theres so many flaws this is more like a cult then a religion and even as a cult its a pack of bull**** ok seriously it makes you wonder is this religion only a religion becuase its has some celebs as belivers??? and since when has religion come at a price??? once again thats cult material well thats all i gotta say -zan

A word about Gay vs. gay.

$cientology is definitely NOT captial G Old School Gay. To be Old School Gay, and I mean cop-fighting-drag-queens, disco-fabulous, interior-decorator, sex-clubbing, Bette Midler loving, mirror-sunglasses, party-all night, sleep-all-day, hairy chested, neighborhood-renovating, I'm-25-and-I'll-sleep-when-I'm-dead, pre plague Gay, you have to have be a fighter, have creativity and a fucking sense of humor about yourself!

(Okay PC police, I know not every LGBGTwhatever Community Person lived that way in the '70s, and yes it was a deadly combination of "personal choices" but I'm making a point here, so back off.)

$cientology is new-world-order-gay with a tiny flacid little g. A sanctimonious, self-important, humorless, minstrelly, queer-eye-for-the-straight-massah-sellout of a cult. Its sadly desparately trying to mainstream itself. They have FABULOUS pretend Navy uniforms however. Now if they only had a pretend Navy . . .

to #47 IgnatiusReilly Who asks if Scientology has a ever killed anyone...

I highly suggest some reading into Scientology for you as it seems you think Scientology is just a HARMELESS LITTLE VENUE FOR BORED RICH PEOPLE... and look into the following stories of just a few people that are no longer around due to Scientology- a dirty little secret:

Google The Victims names BELOW along with keyword "Scientology" and I am sure you will find out some interesting things.

*Also visit this site for more information about why Scientology seems to be leading to more and more mysterious deaths:

(I am not affiliated to the website above just an interested reader who no longer thinks Scientology is a harmless little hobby)

NAMES OF THE DEAD:

Lisa McPherson
Albert Jacquier
Andreas Ostertag
Bob Mills
Carrie Slaughterbeck
Greg Bashaw
Herbert Pfaff
Jocelyn Dorfmann
John Buchanan
Josephus Haverith
Konrad A. Passau
Margaret Winkelman
Noah Lottick
Patrice Vic
Peter Frei
Philip Gale
Quentin Hubbard
Richard Collins
Rudolph Willems
Susan Meister
Wilhelm Mack


Jill

Ok, so I don't believe in Scientology but comparing it to Christianity what is more believable; Xenu blowing up billions of souls with hydrogen bombs or a snake conning a woman into eating an apple? All religions are fallible (manmade) and the way I see it we'll all be in the same place 100 years from now.

Scientology is a really good read. The fact that anyone can take it seriously is alarming!! It looks like you really can sell any old crap to some people and they just suck it up. It is a sad reflection of mankind that in this modern age, seemingly educated preople are falling for this rubbish. Then again, at least they're not strapping high explosives to themselves and looking for a crowd!! Think I may have a few more souls sticking to me right now. Can you attract them? If so, can I bottle them? If I can bottle them can I sell em? To Scientologists perhaps. Interested Tom?

Dawn, you are consistenly a good reader.
I'm trying to decide who is more weird - Elfman or Cruise.
Who would you pick?

"Ok, so I don't believe in Scientology but comparing it to Christianity what is more believable; Xenu blowing up billions of souls with hydrogen bombs or a snake conning a woman into eating an apple? All religions are fallible (manmade) and the way I see it we'll all be in the same place 100 years from now." -- Marc #70

There's a perfect example of someone who takes a reading at face value and does nothing with it.

Churchill once said that every now and then, people will stumble upon truth, pick themselves up, brush themselves off and continue on with life as if nothing happened.

Do you REALLY believe it was a snake? Sure the scriptures are full of examples of animals talking. But was Eve beguiled by a snake? Come on. How about being beguiled by, say a holy person, whose religion is symbolized by a snake? And, was trying to pull Eve away from her God...and succeeded! It's called symbolism Marc. Did God create Adam and Eve who begat all the other people on earth? If so, who did Cain go and live with after he killed his brother? If the flood covered the earth, how did hundreds of thousands of Israelites march into Eygptian captivity 900 years after?

Figure it out... your ascertation is dubious at best, and demonstrates a complete lack of thought. However, you are not alone.... Many "religionists" are caught in the same thought pattern... theories abound.

Here's another Genesis 1:2, the word in the KJV "was" as in the Earth was void... is actually the Hebrew word for became... that would suggest that the earth went through a period of destruction. That's more plausable for fossil theory than... all the dinosaurs were on the Ark too.

Ever read a good theology book? They just about disprove christianity. It's amazing that more people deviod of religion don't read theology... it corresponds with thier thought processing... almost exactly.

to Jill #69

That's an impressive list. Perhaps in the spirit of providing both sides of the argument, you can provide us with some "NAMES OF THE DEAD" for those killed in the name of Christianity.

Since that might take a while, maybe you could start with a little teaser list of those sodomized by priests, or even just those forced to give fellatio to a member of the clergy.

Just a thought.

Well to answer one of your questions Joey, no, I do not believe that a snake literally spoke to Eve. My goal was to illustrate that scientology believes in these events the same as a typical Christian believes in their own religion. A lot must be taken on faith in order to believe in a particular religion. But really, is Hubbard's writing so much less reliable than the fragmented writings and stories passed down and translated over hundreds of years? Either source is absurd from the outside looking in. Anyway, our difference is based in what our faith is founded in-I cannot change your mind and you will not change mine. As far as I am concerned, the most credible source you quoted was Churchill, and personally I cannot value a womanizing alcoholic's words too highly.

wow.

the idea of a god that is not in yourself leads to worship of a secondary charactor in your life.

who's in charge?

Ok 76, if you must know who is in charge of my life, it is myself. I used to be Catholic until my former church took such a harsh stance on homosexuals, among other things. I don't believe Jesus ever turned anyone that loved him away. Anymore I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I have found that having a group belief in an ideal can unite people but religion tends to divide people. Again, the only point I was trying to make was that people of all religions have their stories which shouldn't necessarily be taken at face value and these 'sources' can be seen as absurd from one who was not brought up to believe them. I am no longer a puppet of the Pope. I cannot believe a faith that excludes any single person for a personal choice they make. Nor do I think a person should follow a church's doctrine without first questioning it's credibility. Apparently, some Christians are just as touchy about their bibles origins as Mr. Cruise is about his religion. Anyway, to reaffirm I am in charge of me. And I feel closer to my god than I ever have before. Thanks for asking.

aRGH. Make that Dawn is a good writer. She may be a good reader too but it's hard to determine
that from my vantage point.

:) Scott, I knew what you meant - and I am not nearly that great of reader - I am a bit dyslexic. Perhaps Scientology could solve that for me, like it did TOm.

Thanks for the comment either way :)

A religion is just a cult plus time, and money.

alvin scotworth:

what's a "cult" without time and money?

Short lived.

The first ever piece about Scientology, then known as Dianetics, appeared in an issue of Astounding Science Fiction circa 1950. Editor John W. Campbell was pushing Dianetics as he later pushed an anti-gravity device (the Dean Drive) and a whole batch of other crackpot pseudo-scientific ideas. He had also published much of Hubbards science fiction in his fantasy magazine Unknown Worlds and in Astounding SF. I heard the story separate from three of the people present at the time that after WW2 a bunch of New York sf writers including Frederick Pohl, Theodore Sturgeon and Judith Merrill, most of them recently discharged from the military, came back to civilian life they and Ron Hubbard were sitting around talking about how to earn a living, since it wasn't in those days possible to earn a living writing for the sf pulps. They all agreed that the best thing to do was to found a pseudo-scientific 'religion', base it in California and sit back and rake in the dough. As Merrill said to me '...we all thought it a swell idea, but Ron was the only one of us who actually went off and did it'. The first e-meter, used for measuring 'engrams' (bad stuff messing with your head), I ever saw was an old ex-military lie-detector with a different meter pasted over the old one. You were asked very emotive questions like 'do you love your father' and the meter, activated by involuntary tension in your hands, would register how many engrams you had that had to be cleared. Even in those days 'auditors' were making a lot of money with this bizarre mixture of pseudo-science, pseudo-Freudianism and that old-timer religion. Some of the people I've known have not been exactly dumb, but strangely unimaginative, so that all this sf stuff seems amazing to them. I suspect people who have left one paternalistic religion (like Judaism or Catholicism) are drawn to Scientology as a substitute for what they're missing. The made-up, essentially abstract, vocabulary makes it harder and harder for them to come to grips with reality and so they cleave more and more to the very thing which is causing their dysfunction.

Should have checked that posting first -- I heard the story SEPARATELY. I'm not that illiterate, even if I do leave out apostrophes sometimes.

The author incorrectly implies that Scientology was the reason why Mimi Rogers and Tom Cruise broke up. Not true. Mimi Rogers was, in fact, the one who introduced Tom Cruise to Scientology, and they still remain in contact. She is no longer an active member of the Church, but she is still a committed Scientologist.

Scientology and Christianity may both have bizarre premises but Christianity lets you know theres the second you walk in the church. Scientology continues to lie about the Xenu stuff, though they have shifted the direction of the lie since the cat got out of the bag.

Hubbard said, "There was no man on the cross". His sacred scripture says that Christianity is an "implant", a form of insanity. In that context how bad is it to call Scientology gay?

Can I criticize Jim Jones and the People's Temple? Can I criticize those Hepplewhite and his followers who lopped their balls off before committing suicide so they could go to the Flying Saucer hiding behind the Halle-Bopp comet? How about the Branch Davidians? How about the Taliban? But I am a bigot if I say something against Scientology because I criticize what some say is a religion.

It is a broad subject and it can't be discussed well in this forum. Go to xenu.net if interested.

"the idea of a god that is not in yourself leads to worship of a secondary charactor in your life.

who's in charge?" 75 in #76


& to add to #77

"When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor." James 4:10

It's called Faith.

And faith is another word for con trick...

I do agree with you Joey, it is called faith. It is your faith in the good book which gives you strength, the same way as my faith empowers me. And while I don't necessarily think faith is a con trick (see 88), I do think it is faith which enables many people to get taken advantage of. I think any church which would take a stance against a certain people who love their savior and exile them from their church are manipulating the blind faith of those still in the church into unquestioned obedience. It is a dangerous game to mix politics with religion and it is one I choose not to play. It is good to have faith in things Joey, but is it really safe to let an organized religion dictate that faith?

I find it humorously ironic that due to the current keyword content of this blog, the Amazon products displayed are mostly PRO-Scientology/ist. Isn't the internet funny...

no discussion of the superstition known as scientology would be complete without a mention of the movie battlefield earth, which is possibly the worst movie - and biggest box office bomb - in the history of film, and makes plan 9 from outer space look like the godfather.

hubbard and his eye-patch are co-writers of this travolta movie that was so bad the empty seats in movie theaters around the country got up and walked out.

travolta played terl - should have been terd - the leader of something. the costumes, sets, plot, dialog, acting are horrendous...if you've seen any of this movie, you keep waiting for an episode of mystery science theater 3000 to break out.

travolta co-produced this pile of excrement because of his affiliation with the hubbard-helmed superstition.

at best this movie looks like the worst of the worse 1980s coke fueled MTV hair band videos.

oh yea, and F-Jenna Elfman and her husband, whoever THEY are...

hahahaha.

Marc, I'm not a fan of denominationalism, or religionism either. It pidgeon holes people and in many instances is removed from the Word which invalidates the religion/denomination and their "theology."

Mr. Rose: Faith as a con trick? If you are conned by faith, then one is conning themselves. Faith comes from within. You don't get faith from any other source than your own convictions.

People can practice religion, churchianity... but faith is the internalized summation of many things, not just a sermon that you half listen to once a week or 4 times a year. Sitting in church, shaking the preachers hand on the way out to the parking lot... won't get you anywhere.

I think you may mean religionism, or something akin to a denomination. But faith is like love. It's a strong desire.

Joey, I agree that a person's faith comes from within. But I don't think the formation of one's faith is automatically there. It is indeed taught or at least guided at a younger age. Can you imagine being a Muslim? The answer is probably the same for a young man living in Saudi Arabia, where practicing Christianity is forbidden. It has a lot if not everything to do with how one is raised. I would imagine a typical person has their own mind set about their religion by the time they are out of adolescence but I cannot help but think that these people are still influenced at least in some way by external factors. What do you think?

Yeah, it's very hip to trash Scientology and Tom Cruise these days, but I'm getting off this bandwagon. There are plenty of cooler topics to cover-- and worse people to bash. It's not like Tom Cruise pounced upon poor little Brooke, with a bomb strapped to his chest, or Jenna Elfman is out there on the loose, knee-capping guys for wearing the wrong t-shirt. What a non-story anyway.

I hope Tanya Harding feels safer knowing that nobody's ever accused her of being a Scientologist (Scientologists are probably likewise grateful for this.

If I were to wear a "Ben Roethlisberger is Retarded" t-shirt on the streets of Pittsburg, I'd have a helluva lot more to worry about than any damage Jenna Elfman could inflict upon a grown man, even if HE were a gay man.

Please excuse any insensitivity on my part.

Sal M you are a riot.

It seems to me if they consider scientology a religion then they should be able to take criticism. Look at what christianity has had to put up with over the centuries. Now the christian religion has as I understand it the opposing religion of satanism. So I propose the creation of a new religion in opposition of scientology. I'll call this new religion FICTIONTOLOGY.

A few rules for fictiontologists:

1. You may not charge anyone for joining or participating in fictiontology. Fictiontologists may make donations.

2. Fictiontology is opposed to scientology.

3. Fictiontology does not endorse any type of violence.

4. Fictiontology accepts that aliens may exist.

5. Fictionotology does not accept aliens relationship with mankind in the manor that scientology would have people believe.

6. Fictiontology believes in the existance of multiple realities.

7. Fictiontology believes dreams are windows into these alternate realities.

8. Fictiontology believes that the origin of mankind was GOD. God is from not just any alternate reality, but is from the prime reality. From the prime reality god dreamed of this universe, its galaxies, solor systems, worlds, and of life. Thus, we exist in an alternate reality from the prime reality. We exist as long as God dreams we exist.

9. Those that die may have their soul move on to another alternate reality. If ones soul becomes more pure from its exitance it will be reborn in a reality closer to the prime reality. Eventually, a soul that truely becomes pure will be reborn in the prime reality.

IMHO:

Most religions have at their core some values which are generally good for civilization. The golden rule, turning the other cheek, etc. Apart from the general bizarreness of Scientology (see the definition of engrams, for example), it teaches its adherents that they should respond to criticism by attacking - fight on someone else's home ground, lest your own furniture be broken. Travolta defended this attitude with "it's the law of the jungle". Apparently the law of the jungle is something Scientologists aspire to! L. Ron Hubbard (I distrust people with single-letter names) also taught that a lawsuit was a weapon of intimidation. They attack psychology and especially psychiatry for a couple of reasons; 1) they represent ideological "competition", 2) if you're against something that seems more immoral than you, you look good by comparison (L. Ron jumped on the anti-communist bandwagon a bit himself in those days). I'm not sure they succeed by the latter reason. They also use hypnotic techniques in their indoctrination (Hubbard studied hypnosis).

They have their own vocabulary so that insiders feel like they share a secret with others, which reinforces the group bond (like a secret decoder ring or the Masonic secret handshake). They refer to their techniques as "tech" and use galvanometers (e-meters), and even started putting "MD" after their names (for "Master of Dianetics") so that people feel smart and savvy. They also indoctrinate people with the bizarre stuff slowly; once you find out how loopy it really is, you've sunk lots of money into it already and if you were to think about how goofy it is you'd experience "cognitive dissonance". Nobody likes thinking that they've been duped, and probably people would tend to accept Scientology in preference to admitting they've made such a big investment in swampland. At least, they might stop going and keep their embarrassment to themselves. And finally, L. Ron Hubbard might have been a paranoid schizophrenic who had such bad experiences with the mental health system that he codified hatred of it in his doctrine. He certainly exhibits some of what I'd call magical ideation.

I had a pair of friends who were majoring in psychology, and they had a friend who became a Scientologist. He started to attack them verbally every time they were over visiting his roommates, and generally became so unpleasant they had to start avoiding him.

Apart from the negative social value (if we respond to attacks with counterattacks, where does the fighting end?), I'm dubious about the wisdom of always attacking your enemies (verbally, legally or otherwise). It's one reason Scientology has made such a bad name for itself (see Operation Footbullet). Most people resent being bullied, and so long as they adopt such aggressive techniques they will earn the dislike (quiet or not) of those who empathize with the people being bullied.

Now, having said all that, Hubbard was a very smart man at times (I actually admire his shrewdness and paranoia), and Christianity has had the Inquisition (which burned people alive for daring to think that the Earth orbits the sun) and crusades. Even pacificstic Buddhism (at least the Zen kind) was trotted out to support militarism in WWII Japan. And medicine generally, but psychiatry especially, has a fairly sordid history. I personally think it was due to the difficulty of treating some severe psychiatric pathologies; they were willing to embrace some awful stuff in their despair/futility. I shudder to think of the carnival-like atmosphere of the early lobotomies. Schizophrenia is still quite enigmatic. Bipolar is only treatable with some awful mind-dulling drugs (lithium replaces calcium in the brain and slows it down, preventing mania). For what it's worth, I've heard shock treatment is now only done in severe cases of depressive disorders, and only done with the consent of the patient.

The notion of the infallibility of the Pope is also quite dangerous, though I haven't heard mention of it in a modern context. Beware people who think that they are righteous, receive personal instruction from a diety, cannot tolerate dissent, wear their religion on their sleeve, or act on a mandate from the people. Listing modern people who exhibit all those beliefs is left as an exercise to the reader. Anyway, infallibility has not been a particularly durable attribute through history, and the power that comes with the perception of one's infallibility seems to have a corrupting influence.

I don't really like or hate religion. I know that there's more to consciousness and life than we currently understand (or maybe _can_ _ever_ understand). I'm on the fence about duping people into acting for the social good with promises of rewards in the afterlife. I think that the elevation of faith to first place in front of logic or common sense is dangerous ground. That having been said, the religious people I know seem to be more moral to me, which I approve of.

"They say there's enough religion in the world to make men hate one another, but not enough to make them love." -- Angel Heart, the motion picture

Sad but true.

I used to feel sorry for people who got mindraped by Scientology, but not anymore.

With all the information available about the tactics these nuts use and the kooky shit they believe, no thinking person with access to the internet has an excuse for getting sucked in by this fruity little brainwashing club that calls itself a religion.

If you belong to this group and believe their crap, you deserve whatever misery that comes with it.

Jenna Elfman on Scientology in her own words.
What a complete ditz!

Jeff, I still feel sorry for people who become Scientologists. Scientology has their pitch down to a science. People get sucked in in many ways, but usually it is when the cult plays on their "ruin", some part of their life that has not gone well. They then present themselves as the only cure. The internet has been a big help for the critics, but some poor souls still get stung.

Ok i'm gonna start on this and say first of all i'm not religious in the least. And I hate it when people try to tell me that i'm going to hell. one i belive there is no heaven and there is no hell. No god no devil. Od and Evil yes let me explain the difference between your od and the evil. Christans who pray everyday for miracle that don't happen that are od. Peope who make up a new religon based on science are od. Satanists are infact od. a man who rapes ten little girls and kills thier parents are evil. Hell otherwise known as help and heaven otherwise known as haven are other examples. The killer needs help and the od need a haven. So when in fact that heaven, hell, god, and the devil do infact reside on earth. If you think about it all that i said is true. This religion know as scientology is just a religon for christans to fal back on when the aliens come to earth and want to talk. In short it's all just a bunch of bs to make people rich. The End

I'm going to preface this by saying that I am athiest, and I don't need religion, but I will say that regular religions like Christianity, Judiasm, and Islam have much more validy than this sci-fi cult of Scientology. The 3 major religions I mentioned were actually based on real people and events, albiet many of them were exagerated, but Jesus, Moses, Muhamed, and the rest of the prophets were all true historical figures. Scientology is based on a sci-fi book.

These celebrity scientologists are seriously wigging out, I mean, do they get their brains scooped out in the cult or what? Imagine being stuck in a room with Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley and Jenna Elfman. I can think of no greater horror.

Hey,
I agree with most of you guys with what you say, some stuff seems a little irrational to me. I probably know scientologists better than any of you. I go to a school that is pretty much filled with them. I don't like religions overall. With scientology I think that there is more "logical" theories than with any other religion. They take their little courses on how life works...and most of them think this is the only way life works....it's kind of depressing to try to make them look at things from other angle. Overall I am trying to say that although they are crazy, they are no more crazy than any other religious people, and I can say that they are much more orginized and they tend to help people quite often.

p.s. I've asked a lot of scientologists about all the beliefs in aliens, and what media makes out if very far from reality.

how is it that a sci fi writer ..made a religion which seems to be sci fi but somehow there are still followers. sci fi is not real.. im pretty sure science FICTION does not mean religion. fiction means not real.

Kuba, the media reports on Xenu are very close to scripture. The students you speak of just haven't learned about it yet.

Their "little courses" are no more than staring contests and desensitization programming. Scientology is a disease that has caused good people to empty out their minds and wallets.

When will people get over using "gay" as a derogatory term? I'm gay and find it insulting that anyone would put "Scientology" and "gay" in the same sentence.

Maybe they just mean "happy". Kinda like having a fag is just another way of saying smoking a ciggarette.

Dawn,
I am not a member of the church of Scientology, even though I did take some courses, so I have no need to defend it. However, one of the points you made in your article is blatantly wrong. Scientology was definitely not the cause of Tom Cruise's breakup with Mimi Rogers. It couldn't be, because she was the one who introduced Tom Cruise to Scientology.

religion.... ,thank god I am a new born atheist
in my grandfather's home country people killed for their god the serbian were orthodox ,the croats were catholic ,the bosnians could be either orthodox ,catholics or muslim you had your church ,your culture and in the name of their church they killed each other with such a ferocity ,religion is a fucking problem especially when someione tells you he's right and you're wrong ,let us be what we want and desire god or no god ,oer well I don't know ,but scienos are real disguised fascist pigs ,it is my point of view , tey are harmfull and dangerous , they the scienos azre the most expensive religious cult
viva la anarquia!

The fact that people can support this stuff sheds a very sad light on the fabric of belife and religion in general.Belief is never fact.So a belief can consist of absolutely anything.All it needs is a strong or imaginative leader.It is therefore not surprising that they have a science fiction writer as their founder(mister hubbard).I think scientology seriously gets us to question our more 'true' beliefs ie convensional religion instead of worring about the more freeky shit ie scientology.

Scientology is cool you just being nasty.I am going to tell Zeeon from planet looney toons and Ba from under my bed and we going to F$£% get all of you.....

Without fanatic Muslims, paedophile priests and money grabbing cults life would be so simple.Oh well.What the hell.God bless us all and even you little Timmy.

Scientology is, at the best, a placebo effect. At the worst (which it seems to be locked in 24/7) it is a cult, pure and simple.

The members are brainwashed to believe that auditing works (it's a potpourri of pop-psychology with a primitive lie-detector), that Hubbard's "Tech" is the only way to personal enlightment, and that psychiatry and psychology (the only entities capable of legitimately and legally proving that Scientologists are either brainwashed or insane) are evil.

Scientologist's responses to criticism are typical. They first ask, "What are your crimes?" Then they try to goad you into admitting them. Then they try to lead you into admitting crimes by listing them.

Anyone who believes in the doctrines and dogma of Scientology is either completely and utterly deranged or they need serious help.

Read #115 Jenna~

Wow, what happened to freedom of religion, to respect the religious beliefs of others.
Don't abuse your religious rights here in the U.S.
Our planet and nations NOW face possible neuclar war and war for years ongoing, from religious intolerence and yet I see these writings!!!!
WAKE UP and get straight on this right and privilege so you don't loose it.
None of this garbage is accurate at all on the above subject, per my research.
I respect all the great religions of earth and Scientology is most certainly in this catagory.

you wouldn't believe what Psychiatrists grossly neglect to point out the potential harm of
psychiatric drugs to their patients, such as
tardive dyskinesia, tardive dementia, general dulling of awareness, emotional numbing, and
cognitive dysfunction.often the effects are
permanent with no known cure.
why would they do that?
what are they trying to get out of it?
i dont know,but its killing millions.

you might not want to believe this or
will not believe it, but they are keeping
things from us that they shouldn't.
and if you dont believe it thats fine,
check it out for yourself.
you dont have to go by my word.

if you want to know the truth.


www.sntp.net

"ultra-sensitive, slightly mental, obsessive follower of the highly-questionable, alien-loving religion Scientology."

umm ive met a Scientologist.
and that person was not anywhere close to being that.
what do people have against them.
just wondering.
i mean im not one,but im just wondering.
i think its gay to be racist against other religions.

They are strange people. All of the ones I've met were Gay/Lesbian Homosexuals. They want to convert you or hate you.

this is great. hahahah!!!!!!!~~!~! nice friggen article or bit of info. I googled "scientology is gay" and ended up here... this made my day/night/week/month...

Can we call it Fictionology? It has as much to do with Fiction as it does Science. The fact that there are numbers of members of this cult just reflects the sad, under-educated state of society today.