What do you think of Scientology .?

Question

I have heard and read books about this religion and have come accross positive and negative comments by different people..

Answer 1

I rate it very bad, and very destructive. And there is certainly no science in scientology, that is misleading... Nor was hubbard a scientist who know the scientific method or anything else about science. I will start with links to a lot of ex-member accounts who were in the cult ranging from a year or so to 30 + years. Then I will add some more links to important info, then give my own answer as to what scientology is...

These people have far more experience than I though, look at their stories. These are ex-members who have spoken out against this cult at their own risk. I suggest Foxtail reads this too so he can see what is to come, although I truly hope he never has to go through what some of these people did.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/personal_story/tory/ OTVII
http://www.clambake.org/archive/personal_story/kathryn.html
http://www.clambake.org/archive/personal_story/cheryl_s/
http://www.lermanet.com/tomgorman/jeffreyquiros.htm
http://www.ecentral.com/members/skeller/
http://www.lermanet.com/michaelpattinson/index.htm An OTVIII
http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/isd/isd.htm
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/xenu/xenu.html
Audio Files http://www.lermanet.com/audio/index.htm
Videos http://www.xenutv.com/interviews/index.html

Here is a message board of personal experiences.
http://ocmb.xenu.net/ocmb/index.php?f=3

Scientology is a destructive cult, it isn't just ex-members and family of them that think so, read what these judges thought as well.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/judge_quotes.html

This is a good book on the rise & workings of scientology:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/apobs/

This is the true story of L Ron Hubbard:
http://www.clambake.org/archive/books/bfm/bfmconte.htm

Social Control in Scientology
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Library/Shelf/xenu/scs.html

Here are the main critical sites...

http://www.clambake.org
http://www.lermanet.com
http://www.whyaretheydead.net
http://www.xenutv.com
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/secrets/...

Here's a good account of scientology I just read...

"What is Scientology?
-- Quick answers by Dave Touretzky: --

1. Self-help courses. Begins with a free personality test that ALWAYS shows you have serious mental problems.
2. Dianetics: a kind of quack psychotherapy in which you revisit all the bad stuff that ever happened to you, from conception onward.
3. Scientology: you discover that you are an immortal being, and you need therapy for all the bad things that happened to you in all your previous lives, too.
4. Advanced Scientology (the Operating Thetan levels): you discover that you are possessed by the spirits of murdered space aliens, and they need therapy too. Bad news: they have no money, so you have to pay.
5. SP level: you decide that Scientology is bullshit, and leave. The cult declares you an enemy and Suppressive Person, and harasses you for the next 10 years. "
http://www.stop-wise.biz/

And here is my own answer that I used before.

Scientology is considered a religion in some countries, a profitable organisation in others, and in some it is considered a cult whose practises have been banned. For example, the US gives Scientology tax exempt status, whereas Germany and Belgium have called it a “totalitarian cult” and a “commercial enterprise”. France in 1995 classified it as a dangerous cult. The UK refused charitable status in 1999. Russia has a pending court trial over their refusal to register scientology as a religion.

I personally believe scientology to be a dangerous cult that lies to and tricks adherents into believing they are improving themselves and the world around them, while they are for the most part doing the exact opposite. It is made up of good people with good intentions that have been unfortunately deceived just because they do want to help others and themselves live better lives. It appeals to a person’s good intentions, and therein lies the trap.

Scientologists’ beliefs differ depending on how long they have been in the church, as the higher levels are considered secret and even dangerous to the initiated or unprepared. This is part of why I believe it to be a cult, it hides its true teachings from new members in order to gain & keep adherents.

Scientologists believe that L Ron Hubbard came up with the only workable technology/practises/teachings to help and unlock mankind’s potential. It is believed that by taking part in scientology auditing and learning all the various ‘tech’ a person will become more capable, becoming firstly a ‘Clear’ and then an ‘OT’. Various spurious claims have been made about the state of a ‘clear’ and ‘OT’ amongst which are immunity to illness, removal of physical ailments, perfect memory, increased IQ, increased health & fitness (and thus longevity), and then moving on to the more strange such as being able to exteriorse at will (out of body experiences) and control of MEST (ability to change matter, energy, space and time at will). Needless to say scientology has never successfully demonstrated any of the claims they make about their ‘tech’.

Hubbard was conman as his biography clearly shows.

Scientologists believe:
- Man has an immortal soul called a thetan.
- You have a primitive reactive mind which is the source of much of man's problems, which collects "engrams" from traumatic times or when you are unconscious.
- A lot of physical illnesses/problems are psychosomatic caused by "Engrams".
- You can 'audit' engrams out and this will solve your issues and clear up your health. They also believe it makes you a more intelligent, aware and reasoned individual.
- Reincarnation and the ability to know these past lives and get to more engrams this way.
- Paying lots of money to scientology for there tech, courses, and auditing.
- Getting more people into scientology so they too can become ‘clear’ and thus save the world…

If they have got to OTIII, then the belief changes slightly. Most scientologists are not at this level but for the majority this is thier goal and what they will pay an awful lot of money to achieve, the bridge to total freedom...
- The universe is quadrillions years old.
- Xenu the Intergalactic Space Lord ruled a confederation of overpopulated planets.
- Xenu took a load of these aliens from each planet and brought them to earth.
- They were then exploded in volcanoes 75 million yrs ago.
- Their souls were then caught on ribbons and taken to implant stations, where Xenu brainwashed & confused them so they wouldn't leave the planet. This includes implanting all the world religions.
- These Alien souls called Body Thetans have attached to humans, and are infact the real cause of your problems and why you get and retain engrams...
- You audit these body thetans out by auditing there engrams and taking them back to the Xenu incidents I & II.
- People have jaw aches from when they were a clam in human evolution....hence the name of the main critical site Operation Clambake.
http://www.clambake.org
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/xenu

This is a court trial where the church's own lawyers confirmed the story of Xenu and Body Thetans is what the Church really teaches at this level.
http://www.clambake.org/archive/techniques/index.html

John, Tom & Kirsty all believe about Xenu, they are above OTIII.

The church often claims it is unjustly persecuted, and to show such files normally countless of libels every year and other such court cases to silence criticism; no other religion hounds and harasses its critics. I believe that scientology is different from other religions, the main one being that potential members are lied to when they start. See below, under ‘Why it is often described as a cult’ for all the reasons.

Why are they often described as a cult?

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/index.html
http://www.clambake.org/archive/lrhbare/

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

I believe that their practices are just a form of mind control & so do many others, including cult experts world wide.
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

It has caused, or contributed to the actual deaths in some rare cases.
http://www.whyaretheydead.net

Some policy from Hubbard
http://www.clambake.org/archive/co_pls.h...

For some in-depth research (critical) 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_quotes.html

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

An active critic and ex-member Arnie Lerma's site:
http://www.lermanet.com

My advice, please for your sake, do something else.

Source(s):
My experiences, observations, and reading.

Answer 2

Dear Carl,
You have asked a difficult question. What do you think of Scientology? Probably you should get Scientology to answer for itself, seeing that it has been banned (most vigorously) from practicing in almost every Europen nation for its evil activities. Also, it was born in the 1950"s, a time of the womens Equal Rights movement and social revolution that swept across America and the western world, but it was also the time when Americans were experimenting with new doctrines and forming "new" religions, largely based on esoteric faiths such as western spiritualism of its various and diverse kinds, as well as spiritualism, black magic and various sorcery and occult doctrines from the third world which were then brought into mainstream Christian worship. This amalgamation of beliefs led to the international spread of these new doctrines (though admittedly some began at least 100 years prior), such as New Ageism, Pentecostalism, Christian Science, JW's, Word Faith, (Freemasonary, Mormanism) and all the resultant multitudes of Pentecostal inspired Christian Sects and Associations. All of which, were an open divergence away from the biblical teachings and practices of traditional Christianity. In fact, all, as such as mentioned above, would be considered "Herectics" by every traditional Christian faith throughout all the ages up to this present day - the Catholic faith is not included. You should not be asking, what do you think of scientology? You should be asking yourself, what are you prepared to believe? For it was Solomon who said, PROVERBS:23:23: Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Visit: http://www.principlesofsalvation.blogspot.com

You can also read my testimony here at: http://blog.newsjungle.com/puritanofgrace/1495/

Again, all these above are American led.

Regards in love,

David

Answer 3

I think it's great. I think the church is a bit dogmatic and freaky. I have used all of techniques and found them to be very powerful which explains the cultish following. If you want to know about Scientology by a book on it. Start with the creation of human ability--don't just read it and say rubbish---actually try the techniques. Then decide for yourself. There is no need to listen to the culties or the anti-culties.

Do yourself a favor and be your own savior.

Answer 4

The term Scientology and everything around it was written by L. Ron Hubbard a SCIENCE FICTION WRITER. Does anyone recall a story about a radio broadcast of a scince fiction show by Orsen Wells called War of the Worlds written to sound like a newscast of an alien invasion where droves of people abandoned their homes, were calling the police and some even committing suicide. Science fiction, even if people are silly enough to believe it, is still only science fiction.
Scientology is simply science fiction. Get a Grip.

Answer 5

I have been a Scientologist for a good 9 years now. I'm 29 years old. Let me tell you that in the last 9 years, I have never sacrificed a chicken, never seen no spaceship, and never once been told to do something against my will.

Through the media, you hear that Scientology is a religion for the celebrities. Yes there are many who are. In my case, I have a very different story, far from the limelight of Hollywood.

I grew up in Lennox CA, a rough neighborhood in Inglewood. I started gangbanging at the age of 12. Drugs, murder, prostitution, extortion, and incarceration were an everyday thing. All this drama inspired me to start writing Hip-Hop rhymes and poetry as a way to express my frustrations. These rhymes then motivated me to read and learn. I studied anything I could get my hands on. From politics to science. As my awareness grew, there was a tremendous void spiritually. I started exploring religion. In my family I had Christian, Catholic, Muslim, and Mason. There was one thing that all of these religions had in common; they were all in pursuit to be free people. You can still practice your religion and still study Scientology. It is for everyone. EEEEveryone. Even a 20 year old gangster with tattoos and gunshot scars and that still bumps Snoop Dogg and still creases up his white t-shirt. And also for a man who has 5 beautiful children, a wife, and a career. Thanks to Scientology, I have been able to succeed in every aspect of my life and I have helped many friends from my old neighborhood and will continue to do so.

Scientology means "Science of the Mind". It is an exploration of YOU. There is one line that L. Ron Hubbard said that got my attention and made me want to learn more, "Nothing is real to you unless you see it for yourself". This summed it up for me! Nobody or no book was going to tell me where I came from and what my purpose is... L. Ron Hubbard said that I would see it for myself and I expected nothing short of that statement!

You see, it is a tool for remembering what you already know. Most of the wins you get, are like "I already knew this".

Find out for yourself. Don't believe the stories you hear. I guarantee you that those people have not explored for themselves. You are an individual, so judge for yourself. People fear that which they do not know. Explore, then you will have a valid opinion.

"Nothing is real to you unless you see it for yourself".
L. Ron Hubbard

Hope this helps. Peace!

Answer 6

This:
http://usminc.org/scientology.html

Answer 7

Scientology is a horrible establishment because it relies on brainwashing and lies. Scientologists are not bad people, though, even the more eccentric ones like Tom Cruise or John Travolta, they are usually just weak, or were weak at a time in their lives when Scientology came along and "helped them," which is really them helping themselves (even they would agree with that).

Also, I think that members want it to be true so badly because of the time and money they have invested in auditing and such, so when they get to OT III (where you find about Xenu and the disembodied spirits which plague humanity), no matter how ridiculous it is, they force themselves to swallow it because they don't want to have wasted all their time and money.

Answer 8

I don't really know enough about it to make a judgment. I have heard more negative comments than positive though. I am a Christian, so I of course believe in the one true God. I am able to accept the beliefs of others as their own, but I don't believe it's the right choice (simply because I believe so strongly in the Lord).

Answer 9

It's good for a laugh.
So far the only influence is on the Celebrities, and it's their job to provide us with entertainment. So well done.
If you read L Ron Hubbard's ideas you'll soon realise why it's only popular in Hollywood. They don't have much of a sense of humour, and are very gullible.
I'm gonna get a nutter banning me for religious intolerance, Hah, Scientology a religion, hahahahahahaha.

Answer 10

Hello Carl,

I think you need to do more seeking on this subject. Hubbard who started this whole system of belief made certain claims about himself that were untrue. e.g. The deeply conflicting accounts of what he did during the second world war, when he was discharged from the Navy with Arthritis, depression ulcers and suicidal tendency's. He in fact said he was wounded and healed himself miraculously with his Dianetics and Scientology. Would you believe his Navy records or him?

Ron Hubbard's own son who changed his name to De Wolf also accused his father of being one or the biggest con men in the last century. He produced documentation in court portraying Hubbard as a conniving fraud who was addicted to a variety of drugs, practised black magic, performed bizarre rituals,and was in fact suffering severe mental illness.

I would think very carefully before trusting my spiritual life to a person who's own child talks this way.

Also the Navy's information records conflicts with the records of the Scientology organisation accounts of Hubbard's life.

Remember the Emperor with his new clothes?

Answer 11

Any "religion" that was based on a $1 bet it could be formed and requires you to pay to go up "levels" is, in my opinion, utter rubbish. Watch Battlefield Earth, written by the same bloke (L. Ron Hubbard) it's complete trash. He wrote the religion. That's the answer.