Anybody ever watch the South Park episode on Scientology?

Question

I did some research on Scientology after I watched it, being so intriged by the flashing phrase "THIS IS WHAT THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE" or something like that. Does anyone else think that a religion founded by a science fiction writer, can actually be believed. About aliens dying and there souls being carried on into cavemen, be the way we actually came into existence? Then again, people believe in God.

And why is it that so many celebrities claim they believe in it? Is it for shock value? Publicity?

Answer 1

You're right on all counts. It is an outrageous premise but so is any other religion, they are all the same

South Park rocks...

Answer 2

I saw that episode after I had done some researching on the internet about it. People will believe anything. In order to move up to the different levels in this "religion" you have to shuck out a lot of money and then apparently at some point you will be able to fly? Its so far fetched and ridiculous.

Answer 3

yeah it's very accurate. Xenu stacked up billions of lifeforms around volcanoes and blew them up with hydrogen bombs. Crazy stuff huh..

Here's what South Park didn't tell you:

Supposedly L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology was at a party with a few other author friends (Hubbard was a sci-fi writer). They all got a little drunk and Hubbard proclaimed that he could create a religion. They all laughed at him, this got him very angry, and so he did just that.

Odd way to start your religion huh?

Celebrities believe in it because they are weak willed and are able to give the cult all the money they need, enabling them to rise through the Scientology ranks like nothing. Also, folks like Beck and Tom Cruise were brought up as Scientologists.

Answer 4

You can sell some people on anything.

I'm not a religious person AT ALL.. that being said...
People believe in a book written thousands of years ago by people thay can only assume knew what they were talking about.

Personally, I think ALL religions are made up in some way.

If it helps people get thru life believing there is some sort of higher power, more power to them. There is no right religion, and there is no wrong religion. We are free to believe what we want and for people (not saying you) to bash other religions, but cry when it's their religion thats being bashed need to remember that!!

Answer 5

You need to be aware of the purpose of those "flashing" phrases on TV. These are called "subliminals" and they are used quite often in electronic "motion pictures" that you watch, like TV shows, ads, movies etc.
(sometimes they flash so fast you are not totally aware of them, which is also part of the purpose)
They are designed to fixate your attention and ironically enough
manipulate and control your thinking and responses along certain pre determined lines.
Not sure where exactly you did your research, but I'm guessing you looked at some bogus websites, who similarly have a certain pre determined message about Scientology that they wish to promote.
(The internet is a good tool for research but make sure you don't just use it to verify a pre determined message from a TV show, best to find out ALL the data first and then decide what is actual or not)

Just so you have the actual data (no "flashing phrases" involved):

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.

Note the absence of anything about "aliens" or "belief" either.

South Park is a satirical cartoon. Most satires rely on making someone or something look totally ridiculous for their source of humor.
"The Simpsons", for example, while funny, is not an actual true representation of an average American family.
In fact quite a few American families would be insulted if they
thought THAT TV show was taken seriously by those who watched it!!!

Answer 6

Compared to what?
But like most religions their courses can be very helpful to really troubled people, and their disaster relief help greatly appreciated. At least they are non-denominational (they dont make you convert in order to get help)

Answer 7

That episode was hysterical

Answer 8

Alot of thinking goes on in your house GOD EXSIST

Answer 9

it is truly amazing what people believe