Do you think maybe we have been giving Scientology a bum rap?

Question

Sure, it's crazy, but how many famous scientologists have been caught saying hateful things in public?

It seems like christians have a habit of making hateful and stupid remarks.

Answer 1

You don't understand the history of psychiatry, I do! You're glib!

Answer 2

Not sure why you are using Scientology here .
People regardless of their religions can give things a "bum wrap" when they react in fear of something.
Usually they do this because they don't know or understand the thing they attack .This is a reaction to the unknown.

Mel Gibson was drunk when he said those things. The poor guy apologised.He's even gone into rehab from what I hear.
What ever happened to good old fashioned forgiveness?
A true sign of greatness is the ability to forgive despite whatever reasons not to.

(This message is coming from a Scientologist , who funnily enough doesn't react defensively to the "bum wrap" my religion gets occasionally on this forum. Simply because it is just that....... a bum wrap)

Just to resolve any "unknown" regarding my religion, this is what it is about:

Scientology is an applied religious philosophy. When I say "applied" I mean you actually use it in your life to change or improve existing conditions. This is different from a religious practice. All religions if you learn about them have a basic philosphy, but they also have certain dogma, rituals and observances, and a certain faith or belief is required. There is nothing wrong with this, but Scientology is not that kind of religion. It does not intrude on anyones faiths of beliefs particularly in the area of God , the Supreme Being, or the Infinite. This area is left totally up to the indivdual, which is why you can be a practicing Jew,for example and still use and apply the priniciples of Scientology in your life. It does not conflict. If anything it will enhance your understanding of your chosen religious practice.
You can have no specific religious beliefs and still benefit from using it.
And it is only true for you according to your own observation and experience with it.
It is a non denominational religion . The dictionary definition that applies:
Religion: The spiritual or emotional attitude of one who recognises the existence of superhuman power or powers.

The 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.
The whole purpose of Scientology is to increase an individual's understanding and awareness of himself. And thereby his native abilities .
When 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.

How this result is achieved is the "technology" of Scientology, which was developed by L.Ron Hubbard after his extensive research and the discoveries he made, about the human spirit. The basic religious philosophy and knowledge of Scientology is very old, going back 10,000 years at least to the Veda or Vedic Hymns from the East. The developement of the technology is new.
He completed his research before his death in 1986 and left all of his results and copyrights
to the Church of Scientology along with most of his considerable estate., when he died.

He published a book in 1951 to communicate the basic principles he discovered called: " Scientology The Fundementals of Thought"
There are currently over 8 million Scientologists in more that 150 countries world wide. However we are a new religion, only 53 years old.
The true story of Scientology as a religion goes like this:
1. A philosopher developes a philosophy about life and death.
2. People find it interesting.
3. People find it works.
4. People pass it along to others.
5. It grows.

Answer 3

I don't classify people who say stupid, bigoted or hateful things by their religion. Sure, Tom Cruise has had his popularity take a dive because of his criticism of Brooke Shields and a lot of women dislike him because of it. Sure his criticism was founded on his prejudice against psychiatry due to the teachings of Scientology but again, I don't associate it with the religion, I associate it with a flawed person who spewed the abuse. And I don't think Scientology is getting a bad rap - you have to pay quite a bit of money to attain each level and believe that a god named Xenu crashed into the earth and this released thetans that are responsible for engrams (negative energy)? Please! Why not just worship rocks? This pseudo religion doesn't teach any sort of ethics or moral responsibility, so I'm not sure how valuable it is - but I do know I could never be a Scientologist.

Answer 4

Well you could read more about it on the internet.
Or you could actually meet some.

Or as you say you could decide to compare the celebrities that are in it with other hollywood people. Travolta, Cruise, Isaac Hayes. Here is an anti-scientology site that maintains a list of anyone who has ever said they had any connection or took a course or even showed an interest in Scientology.
http://www.adherents.com/largecom/fam_scientologist.html

Personally Im with you. They seem happy and self reliant

Answer 5

You are so right, never heard more crap come out of a persons mouth than Pat Robertsons.
Scientolgy is completely bogus and while Im glad that folks like Tom Cruise etc are eschewing the negativity building at present, I dont think its really making that much difference in the world.
Scientology is a moneymaking cult which most likely keeps its participants aligned by means of extortion and blackmail.

Answer 6

True, Christians can say a bunch of horrible things, a la Mel Gibson. But the creepy thing with Scientology is that it is a "cult" trying pass off as a religion. But, in all fairness, most religions had a history of starting off with "a bad rap". Considering Tom Cruise..who has gone officially crazy over the past 2 years...well this is not helping their cause. I dunno. It''s like Amway. I'm slightly intrigued, but I'm afraid of being brainwashed. Or trying to be brainwashed. But then John Travolta is totally into it and he's a very nice/normal guy. So, yeah. I agree with you.

Answer 7

nobodys really giving scientology a bum rap, theyre just giving Tom Cruise, a famous scientologist, a bum rap. Why?? because its amusing. Because its funny to make fun of someone rich and famous. Thats it.

Answer 8

Sharp point. I HAVE noticed that some christians get their backs up- when Scientology is mentioned. I think it may be- that alot of Christians are just alittle insecure about their Faith, -while Scientology empowers the Individual- to have confidence in themselves. So which would YOU rather be; insecure- or confident? Since people tend to attack what they fear- Scientology gets the "rap". (& by the way; I AM a Christian, & I have no issues with Scientology). The reality IS; people who are truely confident in their belief system WHATEVER it is- have NO NEED to attack anyone elses. Peace of mind- speaks for itself.

Answer 9

In respect for its victims and those that dare to speak out I have to say no we aren't giving scientology undue criticism.
http://www.whyaretheydead.net
http://www.clambake.org

Whether another group is worse is irrelevant as to whether scientology deserves critisicm. Most of its critics are ex-members, and thus have a very good reason for speaking out against scientology. Besides there are plenty of critics of christianity already...

It is not hateful & stupid comments that make scientology a cult, it is its criminal activity and cult-like operation.

Why are they described as a destructive cult? Here are some reasons... Mainstream christian churches do not do these things, but that doesn't mean you can't get christian cults.

They lie to members to gain and keep them.
Try to find the story of Xenu at the scientology site for example.

They say it has been thoroughly researched using the scientific method when it hasn’t.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/techniques/
http://www.clambake.org/archive/lrhbare/

They hound and harass critics:
http://www.suppressiveperson.org/

They use mind control techniques: http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/documents/scientology/pignotti

They limit outside information via censoring, condemning it the work of criminals, as well as via disconnection with family.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/events/censorship/
http://www.xenu.net/archive/infopack/15.htm

More on similar stuff here:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/co_pls.html

For some in-depth research I recommend reading some books written by ex-members.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/books

"Scientology is both immoral and socially obnoxious...It is corrupt sinister and dangerous. It is corrupt because it is based on lies and deceit and has its real objective money and power for Mr. Hubbard... It is sinister because it indulges in infamous practices both to its adherents who do not toe the line unquestionably and to those who criticize it or oppose it. It is dangerous because it is out to capture people and to indoctrinate and brainwash them so they become the unquestioning captives and tools of the cult, withdrawn from ordinary thought, living, and relationships with others."
Justice Latey, ruling in the High Court of London:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/judge_qu...

So why do people follow it? What about all the good things they tell you about? See here for an article on why people join scientology:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/personal_story/funkydonny.html

Here you can see scientologists in action:
http://www.xenutv.com

http://www.clambake.org

Answer 10

Good point. I think 'people' in general have a tendency to be hateful and stupid! I don't know of any Scientologists except Tom Cruise and John Travolta but I could certainly picture either one of them being stupid, if not hateful!

Answer 11

No! Scientology is a cult created by a science fiction writer! Do you know the belief system?? They believe that aliens started all life on this planet. That's just plain crazy.