Religion Your Thoughts re: "Church" of Scientology

[ABM]

Any of you had any experiences, etc. re: this so-called church (which I'd identify as a cult)?

I do know that Tom Cruise and John Travolta are highly involved, but, apparently, there have been numerous accusations, etc., against the organization....including abuse and human trafficking.

Anyway, as S2-Blazers is the quintessential microcosm of American culture, I was just curious if anyone here had any opinions on the subject.

FWIW...here are a couple of recent blurbs regarding Cruise and Travolta....

https://www.yourtango.com/2019326193/did-john-travolta-try-resurrect-his-dead-son-jett

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/07...cole-kidman-ex-church-member-and-friend-says/

This piece regarding a suit involving abuse and human trafficking:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/religi...urch-its-leader-alleging-abuse-human-n1019506

 

[Strenuus]

Watch "Going Clear"

Best documentary on this cult.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

<this post has been edited by Xenu the Dictator of the Great Confederacy>

 

[ABM]

Watch "Going Clear"

Best documentary on this cult.

Cool. Will do.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

I’m not going to make a judgment on Scientology itself, but I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I feel like I’d do anything and everything to save them/see them again... and that’s coming from someone who’s catholic.

 

[Strenuus]

<this post has been edited by Xenu the Dictator of the Great Confederacy>

Miscaviage really edited this...

 

[Strenuus]

I’m not going to make a judgment on Scientology itself, but I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I feel like I’d do anything and everything to save them/see them again... and that’s coming from someone who’s catholic.

Dude, they deserve to be judged. They judge everyone else and treat people like shit.

 

[riverman]

I look at them sort of the same way I look at the Yogananda foundation Charlie Chaplin's widow invested in....they get wealthy people to work for free and then charge them rent for houses they build..get them to work in the gardens and food stores for free and then charge them for the food they eat..a fool will soon be parted with his money they say. They call it lessons in attachment

 

[barfo]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

 

[theprunetang]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

Neither do I. Just didn't want to be the one to open up that particular wormy can.

 

[theprunetang]

Speaking of "wormy cans", how do you feel about it @SlyPokerDog ?

 

[ABM]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

From a biblical standpoint, you're right. The operative word: religions.

Matthew 7:13

 

[riverman]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

this

 

[GriLtCheeZ]

I took a personality test once. I think I failed because they said they had some books that I should buy after seeing the result. Pork chops and apple sauce.

 

[Lanny]

Any of you had any experiences, etc. re: this so-called church (which I'd identify as a cult)?

I do know that Tom Cruise and John Travolta are highly involved, but, apparently, there have been numerous accusations, etc., against the organization....including abuse and human trafficking.

Anyway, as S2-Blazers is the quintessential microcosm of American culture, I was just curious if anyone here had any opinions on the subject.

FWIW...here are a couple of recent blurbs regarding Cruise and Travolta....

https://www.yourtango.com/2019326193/did-john-travolta-try-resurrect-his-dead-son-jett

https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/07...cole-kidman-ex-church-member-and-friend-says/

This piece regarding a suit involving abuse and human trafficking:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/religi...urch-its-leader-alleging-abuse-human-n1019506

Yeah, I can recall two experiences.
1. My brother-in-law had dinner with L. Ron Hubbard a couple times when my brother-in-law was a kid. My brother-in-law says Mr. Hubbard was weird;
2. My cousin got sucked into a deal building a couple of Trimarans for a two Scientologist consummate con men. These two guys would get people who wanted to travel the world by boat to join up by paying a fee. Then they would say they needed help finishing the boats and just needed a little extra. That crew would eventually see the con job and get out and give up their investments. Then the con artists would do the same exact con job on a new crew and that crew would eventually give up. Finally, they conned a third crew which included my cousin. They squeezed the usual extra out of them and said they needed a mast that was being completed in Astoria. So a couple guys went with one of the con men to Astoria to pick up the mast that was finished. When they got there the mast manufacturing manager said they owed a balance and could have the mast when they paid in full. The con man produced a rifle and virtually stole the mast. Then the two boats encountered a vicious storm just off the Southern coast of Oregon on their way to San Diego. The coast guard had to help them. The experience was so scary that half the crew just quit and went home. So, one boat continued to San Diego. Once in San Diego, They ran out of food and other supplies. The two con men went to Las Vegas where they had a good old time. They came back bragging about the steaks and lobster that they ate while in Las Vegas. A couple more of the remaining crew quit in disgust and went home. My cousin and his girlfriend on the trip were incredibly stubborn and refused to give up eating the gruel provided by the con men. They got to Hawaii where the con men finally said this is it. Everyone off the boat and go home. My cousin refused so one of the con men produced his rifle and ordered my cousin off the boat.

You ask do I have any experience with Scientology. Yes, and I think very low of them and wish they would rot in hell.

ps Do not have anything to do with them. While they recruit you, you are not allowed to do anything alone. You can't go to the bathroom without a Scientology escort. You don't sleep alone. You are not allowed much sleep. You are cut off from everyone you know including your parents and your siblings. You are strongly pressed to give them anything you have of value including your bank account, property, auto, nice clothing, pension checks, etc. etc. etc.
I consider them to be a cult.

 

[Lanny]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

There's absolutely no comparison.

 

[jonnyboy]

I don't see a big difference between them and other organized religions.

barfo

They are JUST like those psychotic Buddhists.

 

[Hoopguru]

IMO, any religious sect that believes they and they only, are without spot or wrinkle and the Bride of Christ, or the only True Theocracy for perfection and earthly rule, I view them as a cult.

 

[MarAzul]

It's warming up now!

 

[noknobs]

There's absolutely no comparison.

You're right, there's no comparison. Scientology hasn't been the cause of any wars yet.

 

[calvin natt]

You're right, there's no comparison. Scientology hasn't been the cause of any wars yet.

Touché

 

[tlongII]

They are fraudulent as are all organized religions.

 

[LameR]

Not a religion, more of a ponzi scheme. And I'm saying that as a Christian who's heavily critical of Christianity.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture...Hubbards-heir-became-his-fiercest-critic.html

 

[Lanny]

You're right, there's no comparison. Scientology hasn't been the cause of any wars yet.

Worse, they administer thought control. Without free thought what are we?

 

[ABM]

IMO, any religious sect that believes they and they only, are without spot or wrinkle and the Bride of Christ, or the only True Theocracy for perfection and earthly rule, I view them as a cult.

Whenever I'm in doubt, have lack of faith, need encouragement and hope, and/or have a question about anything......ANYTHING......I always refer to my Bible, which has the answers to everything. I'm not interested in religion....only relationship with Christ.

 

[Natebishop3]

I believe the word you're looking for is "cult."

 

[ABM]

I believe the word you're looking for is "cult."

Yep, I believe so, too. (as identified in parentheses in opening statement). There actually may be some scientologists in here. Wanted to be as respectful as I can. I did watch "Going Clear" as suggested by Strenuous and was riveted.

 

[Hoopguru]

Worse, they administer thought control. Without free thought what are we?

yes they do!