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[Hollywood]

I keep hearing about several celebrities like John Travolt beleiving in it. I goto their website and I get a nice little vague background that sounds like what they would say to someone before drinking the Kool-Aid. :lol


Then I find a lot of sites like this:

www.xenu.net

Who are exposing Scientology as a continuous money hoarding group who's sole purpose is to decieve members into gvinig up money.

What do you think?

 

[levious]

lower on the religious totem pole than mormons.

 

[Teknopathetic]

Freaky hollywood cult.

 

[Days like these...]

My sister has been receiving their propaganda in the mail. Some kinda help yourself cult that charges tons of $$$ to help you find GOD or whatever. Seems like its all about the $$$ for the people who run it. Least that's what i got out of it from flipping thru the propaganda

 

[FnordChan]

Short version: L. Ron Hubbard invented (read: freely made up) the science of Dianetics, in order to help folks unlock their full human potential...for a price. This sparked Scientology, a religion Hubbard discovered (read: freely made up) that allowed folks to discover their amazing superpowers...for a much higher price. Cue cult activities and brutally milking folks of their cash. You can learn the gorey details by reading through xenu.net, the Hubbard biography Barefaced Messiah (available to read for free online), or the expose A Piece of Blue Sky: Scientology, Dianetcs, and L. Ron Hubbard exposed by Jon Atack. It all makes for fascinating, if somewhat disturbing, reading.

Basically, you want to stay the hell away from Scientology.

FnordChan, OT3

 

[tedtropy]

lower on the religious totem pole than mormons.

Perhaps, but being a Mormon makes a great Halloween costume.

 

[frolet]

Its a cult for celebrities who believe they are fighting invisible aliens that inhabit peoples minds. No joke. :lol

 

[JackFrost2012]

the best part about Scientology is that it's weird like a fractal: the more you learn about it, the less sense it makes. like the six-million year contract they make you sign, for this life and all future reincarnations...

 

[FnordChan]

the best part about Scientology is that it's weird like a fractal

"Incident I
Occurs at start of track (4 quadrillion years ago).
LOUD SNAP
WAVES OF LIGHT
CHARIOT COMES OUT, TURNS RIGHT AND LEFT
CHERUB COMES OUT
BLOWS HORN, COMES CLOSE
SHATTERING SERIES OF SNAPS
CHERUB FADES BACK (RETREATS)
BLACKNESS DUMPED ON THETAN"

L. Ron Hubbard on the beginning of the universe, from OT III pp. 99-100, courtesy of The Fishman Affidavit.

F. Chan Hubbard

 

[Pimpwerx]

Scientology is easily the greatest religion created by man. When you can tell a really poor sci-fi story and pass it off as religious doctrine, you've got a chance to steal a lot of tax-free dollars from the abundance of suckers out there. L. Ron Hubbard is my hero. PEACE.

 

[masud]

The one true path.

 

[calder]

I hate to denigrate any belief system, but a classic line from Andy Richter Controls the Universe (RIP awesome show, RIP) comes to mind:
"[This] religion is the goofy fruit of the ha ha bush."

 

[Justin Bailey]

They believe an alien named xenu caused a nuclear explosion several billion years ago to solve the overpopulation problem in the universe. The problem was, people souls (referred to as "body thetans") still were able to be blown around by the nuclear winds. Xenu then captured the thetans and placed them into cinemas where they watched movies on how they are supposed to live life and the concept of God, Satan, and Christ. After the movies were over the thetans flew around and inhabited people and still do to this day. The only way to become a free spirit is to rid yourself of these evil body thetans. This is Scientology's goal.

No, I did not make any of that up.

 

[Gek54]

So....scientology says you should believe in God, Satan and Jesus becuase that is how you are 'suppose to live'?

 

[Justin Bailey]

So....scientology says you should believe in God, Satan and Jesus becuase that is how you are 'suppose to live'?

No the movies were a deception, its saying the only reason we live like we do is because thats what the evil body thetans were told to believe in the movies. Once we rid ourselves of the body thetans we become free spirits.

 

[Zaptruder]

http://www.xenu.net/archive/media/time910605.html

Fucking scary money ripping mafioso cult.

Terrorists without bombs.

 

[Jeffahn]

They believe an alien named xenu caused a nuclear explosion several billion years ago to solve the overpopulation problem in the universe. The problem was, people souls (referred to as "body thetans") still were able to be blown around by the nuclear winds. Xenu then captured the thetans and placed them into cinemas where they watched movies on how they are supposed to live life and the concept of God, Satan, and Christ. After the movies were over the thetans flew around and inhabited people and still do to this day. The only way to become a free spirit is to rid yourself of these evil body thetans. This is Scientology's goal.

As told in Mystery Science Theatre 3000.

...

 

[Drozmight]

They believe an alien named xenu caused a nuclear explosion several billion years ago to solve the overpopulation problem in the universe. The problem was, people souls (referred to as "body thetans") still were able to be blown around by the nuclear winds. Xenu then captured the thetans and placed them into cinemas where they watched movies on how they are supposed to live life and the concept of God, Satan, and Christ. After the movies were over the thetans flew around and inhabited people and still do to this day. The only way to become a free spirit is to rid yourself of these evil body thetans. This is Scientology's goal.

No, I did not make any of that up.

:lol :lol :lol Oh god... that's great. All I knew opeinging this thread was that Hubbard wrote "Battlefield Earth" which John Travolta (a member) then turned into a terrible movie.

 

[amrum]

In France, Scientology is considered as a sect ...

 

[ConfusingJazz]

L Ron Hubbard was a really smart guy. Religion wise, dude was fucked up, but how the hell are you able to get people to fork over money after hearing something like this?

Besides, didn't he say like 20 years before inventing the religion that the best way to make money is to invent a religion?

 

[Justin Bailey]

The scary thing about Scientology is that they have so much money, and with that comes power. They have inflicted physical, psychological, and financial harm on many people. If you know anyone that might be attending meetings or express any kind of interest direct them to this site: http://www.xenu.net

That'll be my public service quota for the day.

 

[JackFrost2012]

Besides, didn't he say like 20 years before inventing the religion that the best way to make money is to invent a religion?

Yes, to a young Harlan Ellison. Ellison complained that he and Hubbard were never going to get rich writing 5-cents-a-word for the pulps, and Hubbard confided that the only way to get rich - really, super-duper rich - was to start a religion.

That the religion is based on terrible hacky sci-fi should come as no surprise.

 

[whytemyke]

Here's the thing about it... I really try not to judge religions on what they're founded on, rather than on what they do. For instance, Mormons, while believing totally stupid and goofy stuff, I have no problem with. The Catholic Church, who have covered up abuse of people around the world for over a millenia, attributed it to the Holy will, and is only really now trying to atone for its mistakes. 50 years of apologies don't make up for 1000 years of scandal.

As it is, I don't have a problem with Scientologists, really. The majority of them are all happy people, all abide the law, etc. Shit, even Tom Cruise is one, and he said it made him go from being depressed all the time to actually enjoying life. He actually also said that Scientology, the essence of it, is about using technology to amplify your spiritual life, not just your physical life. Sounds goofy, but like I said, this shit works better than Zoloft from the look of it, so I've got no beef.

 

[sc0la]

In France, Scientology is considered as a sect ...

A sect of what?

do you mean cult?

Yes, to a young Harlan Ellison. Ellison complained that he and Hubbard were never going to get rich writing 5-cents-a-word for the pulps, and Hubbard confided that the only way to get rich - really, super-duper rich - was to start a religion.

That the religion is based on terrible hacky sci-fi should come as no surprise.

Didn't someone suggest to Lucas that he should turn the force into a religion after the success of the first star wars? Scorcese I think..

 

[Do The Mario]

Here's the thing about it... I really try not to judge religions on what they're founded on, rather than on what they do. For instance, Mormons, while believing totally stupid and goofy stuff, I have no problem with. The Catholic Church, who have covered up abuse of people around the world for over a millenia, attributed it to the Holy will, and is only really now trying to atone for its mistakes. 50 years of apologies don't make up for 1000 years of scandal.

As it is, I don't have a problem with Scientologists, really. The majority of them are all happy people, all abide the law, etc. Shit, even Tom Cruise is one, and he said it made him go from being depressed all the time to actually enjoying life. He actually also said that Scientology, the essence of it, is about using technology to amplify your spiritual life, not just your physical life. Sounds goofy, but like I said, this shit works better than Zoloft from the look of it, so I've got no beef.

I was under the impression Tom Cruise and Travolta are virtually paid to be scientologist (these days). AKA Tom getting a flied of corn planted so he could live out some fantasy with Nicole. Anyone would think Scientology was good if they received the EGO massage that these stars receive.

 

[Justin Bailey]

Here's the thing about it... I really try not to judge religions on what they're founded on, rather than on what they do.

Did you read any of the page that was posted above? Here http://www.xenu.net/archive/media/time910605.html Check out the rest of the site too when you get the time.

Yeah the catholic church isn't exactly cupcakes and sprinkles, but at least they don't attempt to blackmail anyone that speaks out against them or frame them for various crimes. Sure, some people involved may be happy, but the organization as a whole is as crooked as a crowbar.

 

[levious]

Here's the thing about it... I really try not to judge religions on what they're founded on, rather than on what they do. For instance, Mormons, while believing totally stupid and goofy stuff, I have no problem with. The Catholic Church, who have covered up abuse of people around the world for over a millenia, attributed it to the Holy will, and is only really now trying to atone for its mistakes. 50 years of apologies don't make up for 1000 years of scandal.

I'm not trying to apologize for catholics but mormons have plenty of bad history too... like bigamy and not including blacks as members of the human race.

 

[whytemyke]

Justin Bailey: Just read that link ya put up. I had checked the site before but after some mindless poking around figured it was just some guy who had an axe to grind with the 'church'. needless to say, the Time article really opened my eyes and I can see that I was pretty fucking wrong. So... there's that.

 

[Hollywood]

I don't know any religion that hasn't had some bad history, but I mean at the core of it you can see if its values are crooked or ome of the stuff believed is just ridiculous. It's a cult.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Did you read any of the page that was posted above? Here http://www.xenu.net/archive/media/time910605.html Check out the rest of the site too when you get the time.

Yeah the catholic church isn't exactly cupcakes and sprinkles, but at least they don't attempt to blackmail anyone that speaks out against them or frame them for various crimes. Sure, some people involved may be happy, but the organization as a whole is as crooked as a crowbar.

LMAO. Dude, you need to read some history books.

Specifically, look at why Martin Luther broke away from the Church.




Anyways, I am someone who actually read Dianetics. A complete bore. In that book there is no mention of this "alien theology" that he refers to.


The basics are this:


Your mind controls everything. YOU are not in control of your own mind. You need to take control of your mind first, before you can take control of your life.


That's it in a nutshell. It's pretty compelling for people who do not have a religion. That's what attracts people to it initially. The rest of that garbage is just ritualistic shit to get people to pay more money.

 

[Megafoo Chavez]

scientology is bad because it was MADE UP! NONE OF THE OTHER RELIGIONS IN THE WORLD WERE MADE UP! CHRISTIANITY WASNT MADE UP DUDE!

 

[Willco]

Nice job, scientologist.

 

[Kabuki Waq]

are there any poor scientologists?

 

[Bob White]

I bet an evil body thetan has posted in this thread.

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

are there any poor scientologists?

Yes, and if I told you, I have to kill you (well your savings at least).

 

[Tommie Hu$tle]

the organization as a whole is as crooked as a crowbar.

Crowbars are pretty straight until you get to the top....oh, hmmmm ok I see what you mean now.

 

[Justin Bailey]

LMAO. Dude, you need to read some history books.

Specifically, look at why Martin Luther broke away from the Church.




Anyways, I am someone who actually read Dianetics. A complete bore. In that book there is no mention of this "alien theology" that he refers to.


The basics are this:


Your mind controls everything. YOU are not in control of your own mind. You need to take control of your mind first, before you can take control of your life.


That's it in a nutshell. It's pretty compelling for people who do not have a religion. That's what attracts people to it initially. The rest of that garbage is just ritualistic shit to get people to pay more money.

Ok point taken about Martin Luther. Fine, I'll try this another way - just read the site, specifically the Time article. This doesn't need to be a "my religion has a bigger dick than yours" argument. Scientology is a fucking joke, yes, but the shit that it is involved in and power it has (and uses) is not. There's a lot more to it than just turning a self-help book into a cult.

Edit: Also I was really speaking in terms of present times. Unless I'm mistaken I don't recall hearing much about FBI raids into churches and finding stolen government documents and the like.

 

[UltimateMarioMan]

Soooo scientology is basically a bad Star Trek plot? :lol

 

[whytemyke]

Soooo scientology is basically a bad Star Trek plot? :lol

Not really. Unless you pay money to have Worf rape you.

 

[Hitokage]

Here's the thing about it... I really try not to judge religions on what they're founded on, rather than on what they do. For instance, Mormons, while believing totally stupid and goofy stuff, I have no problem with. The Catholic Church, who have covered up abuse of people around the world for over a millenia, attributed it to the Holy will, and is only really now trying to atone for its mistakes. 50 years of apologies don't make up for 1000 years of scandal.

As it is, I don't have a problem with Scientologists, really. The majority of them are all happy people, all abide the law, etc. Shit, even Tom Cruise is one, and he said it made him go from being depressed all the time to actually enjoying life. He actually also said that Scientology, the essence of it, is about using technology to amplify your spiritual life, not just your physical life. Sounds goofy, but like I said, this shit works better than Zoloft from the look of it, so I've got no beef.

So you really don't mind if both Mormons and Scientologists are deceptive and manipulative? Then again, it sounds like you don't know much aboth either of them to begin with, especially mormonism's early days which included stuff like pedophilia, bank fraud, a secret police, and blood atonement(certain sins = we spill your blood).

 

[tenchir]

Scientologists are really dangerous people, you guys know Scientology is banned from Germany because their government found evidence that people from Scientology is trying to infiltrate and take over their government?

 

[whytemyke]

All I'm really saying is that the way the religion impacts people in society today is what should be counted. I don't see nearly as many crimes perpetrated on behalf of mormonism, today, as I do on behalf of more traditional churches, like Catholocism. I've never met a mormon who wasn't happy, but I see Catholics all the time who are depressed and bemoaning their meaningless lives.

I'll admit I don't know much about the early days of Mormonism, and have already been corrected about Scientology, but if the everyday person can change to mormonism and they actually improve society (aside from their recruitment shit), then I'm not going to sit here and hate on the entire religion because of the lunacy of its foundation.

 

[Hitokage]

All I'm really saying is that the way the religion impacts people in society today is what should be counted. I don't see nearly as many crimes perpetrated on behalf of mormonism, today, as I do on behalf of more traditional churches, like Catholocism. I've never met a mormon who wasn't happy, but I see Catholics all the time who are depressed and bemoaning their meaningless lives.

I'll admit I don't know much about the early days of Mormonism, and have already been corrected about Scientology, but if the everyday person can change to mormonism and they actually improve society (aside from their recruitment shit), then I'm not going to sit here and hate on the entire religion because of the lunacy of its foundation.

I tend to respect the rights of the individual, especially their right to make an informed choice on what they will believe.

 

[whytemyke]

I tend to respect the rights of the individual, especially their right to make an informed choice on what they will believe.

Haha, you know as well as I do that if the entire western world were suddenly allowed to be fully informed about all their religious decisions and habits, all of society would fall apart.

 

[calder]

I don't care if it's not "politically correct" these days but I'm still all for blood atonement in GAF. As soon as we figure out a way to ensure it's done remotely (a USB enabled auto-syringe?) I move that the Church of OT institute a shift from ineffective bannings to a more direct method of punishment. By the end of some political threads we'll have half a dozen forum goers slumped over their keyboards from hypoxic shock.

 

[Hitokage]

Haha, you know as well as I do that if the entire western world were suddenly allowed to be fully informed about all their religious decisions and habits, all of society would fall apart.

You seem to be missing my point. When mormon missionaries talk to you, their sole objective is to get you sold on the religion itself so that LATER they can add in all the details that would have said STAY AWAY had you known of them beforehand. Compare with an average church where you know what you are getting into up front.

 

[Maxwell House]

Scientology lures Celebrities in by lavishing them with nice free gifts, luxury resort type accomodations, etc. They are never told about Scientologies real beliefs until they are lured in. Then, supposedly, scientologists dig up blackmail material or create in order to keep the celebrities under their wings. Supposedly, they have evidence that both Tom Cruise and John Travolta are gay. In fact, John Travolta's marriage to fellow Scientologist Kelly Preston was supposedly arranged by the cult in order to help hide his secret.

I am not sure how much of that stuff I believe, but I don't doubt that they try to blackmail their members. That much has been verified. Some members have been killed by the cult for speaking out about it. It is a very evil organization.

 

[Maxwell House]

The newish Kabbalah cult is getting dangerously as popular as Scientology. The current Kabbalah incarnation that Madonna and all the Hollywood set are joing isn't anything to do with the Jewish faith. It really is a cult. In fact, some high ranking Rabbi in the UK has denounced it as a cult.

It is just like Scientology. It lures members in and then takes their money. Stella McCartney ended her friendship with Madonna in fact over Kaballah. She said she couldn't believe how much money they kept asking her to give to them.

I mean, you can buy fucking $25 Kabbalah strings at Target. HAHAHA. So wacky. Why doesn't Target sell Scientology merchandise?

 

[UltimateMarioMan]

Not really. Unless you pay money to have Worf rape you.

Ok a bad Enterprise plot!

 

[demon]

When I was staying in NYC a couple weeks ago, there were tons of booths set up around Times Square for "free stress tests". Basically they have you hold onto two metal bars connected to a machine with a needle that moved back and forth at random. They'd ask you something, and the needle moves. Or it doesn't. When it moves....."Ohhh, look at that, now there's a stressful part of your life". Sure buddy. Then she turns my attention to the big fucking pile of Dianetics books behind her on the table. It changed her life. It can change my life too. Hmmm, Dianetics? What's that? Sounds familiar? Wow, endorsed by great minds like John Travolta? Kirstie Allie? ....wait a minute, you stupid cult fucks!

I told her Scientology isn't for me, and left. Although I did open up to her a surprising amount like being 23 and never in a relationship, though, don't know how that happened. :lol