I saw Lisa Marie Presley on Larry King Live recently, and she was talking about how she practices Scientology. She said it is a religion and is listed as one with the IRS.

I know other celebrities are involved....Tom Cruise, Kirstie Alley, John Travolta and others.

I went to their website, and I'm more confused than ever. It's a religion, yet no mention of God or even a higher power. It seems more of a spirituality-based belief. It's always been a mystery to me.

Thoughts?

What's the deal with it? I think it's a cult. The end.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology_beliefs_and_practices

You draw your own conclusion on the God thing. It doesn't force any one belief on you. Lisa Marie started with Scientology, as did many other celeberties, when she needed help. She was heavily into cocaine and one bad night her mom checked her into the Scientology Center in Los Angeles, and since then she's been clean. She credits it to her life. A lot of the celebs use it as a form of thearpy, since it doesnt pinpoint one mistake and blame it on that.

From L. Ron Hubbard(founder)'s Fundamentals of Thought

"What use does Scientology have?

Scientology does things for people where nothing has been done before. It restores peoples abilities to handle conditions which were once considered hopeless. It increases their intelligence. It changes their competence and betters thier behavior. In addition to these, it brings them a better understanding of life."

What's the deal with it? I think it's a cult. The end.



:yeahthat :nod:

go look up the definition of the word cult.

What's the deal with it? I think it's a cult. The end.Most definately. I've always found them to recruit people who have serious psychological or are troubled which is what cults do.

I've read that people give tons of money to Scientology too.

Define what you mean by cult. I always thought the word cult was reserved for devil worshipers...

It would appear that it is simply yet another phylisophical belief. If it helps people, if it renews their faith in life, then I see no problem with it, except that it's organized into a church. Though it can't be avoided, it will usually cause problems.

But if a person needs Scientology to love life, more power to them.

Define what you mean by cult. I always thought the word cult was reserved for devil worshipers...

It would appear that it is simply yet another phylisophical belief. If it helps people, if it renews their faith in life, then I see no problem with it, except that it's organized into a church. Though it can't be avoided, it will usually cause problems.

But if a person needs Scientology to love life, more power to them.Cults are not always devil worshipers. a cult can embrace any beliefs.

Cults are not always devil worshipers. a cult can embrace any beliefs.

Like the Branch Dividians, David Koresh thought he was the lamb of God.

This goes back to the 70s, but there was Jim Jones. He was insane and paranoid and took his followers to Jonestown, Guyana, where he had them commit mass suicide by drinking poisoned Kool-Aid. About 1,000 people died.

I'm not relating this to Scientology. Just remarking on cults.

Their are lots of cults that aren't Devil Worshipers.

my problem with the trendy celebrity cults is the way they recruit. Like how Tom Cruise is trying to turn Katie Holmes (I respect Nicole Kidman for never once letting him turn her in their 10 years together) into a $cientologist. Same with the way Madonna is notorious for trying to convert all of her friends into the Kaballah crap.

my problem with the trendy celebrity cults is the way they recruit. Like how Tom Cruise is trying to turn Katie Holmes (I respect Nicole Kidman for never once letting him turn her in their 10 years together) into a $cientologist. Same with the way Madonna is notorious for trying to convert all of her friends into the Kaballah crap.

I know alot of Christians who try to convert people to Christianity. Especially those who don't believe in God.

my problem with the trendy celebrity cults is the way they recruit. Like how Tom Cruise is trying to turn Katie Holmes (I respect Nicole Kidman for never once letting him turn her in their 10 years together) into a $cientologist. Same with the way Madonna is notorious for trying to convert all of her friends into the Kaballah crap.

That's true in every religion.

Don't forget the Star Trek cult! :D

Don't forget the Star Trek cult! :D

Yeah! Trekkies rule!!!

Don't forget the Star Trek cult! :D
Or the Star Wars cult. :D

From what I recall Hubbard was a nut who basically made up his own "religion". Cult seems to be a good description.

Or the Star Wars cult. :D
May The Force Be With You. :D

When you think of it though, the definition of cult could also apply to when Christ started his teachings. No doubt one of the reasons he was crucified. To me, a cult is a religion that hasn't been embraced (yet) by the masses. It still reports to one person (as do many religions).

Moonies are another "cult" that more and more has become accepted as a religion like Scientology. Frankly, and I know this is going to set some of you right off, (and I'll state now that this is not to put anyone down or get into a debate, because these are my deep personal beliefs that I am not forcing on anyone) but to me, cults - religions - they all are basically superstitions that are formed because of the basic need humans have to believe in a higher power guiding them and watching over them.

I used to put Scientology down as a money-grubbing cult also, but these members are highly intelligent, independent thinking individuals who can come and go as they please. No one is holding them there or threatening them and they are raising their children to be upstanding citizens so I can't see anything wrong with it.

When you think of it though, the definition of cult could also apply to when Christ started his teachings. No doubt one of the reasons he was crucified. To me, a cult is a religion that hasn't been embraced (yet) by the masses. It still reports to one person (as do many religions).



Earlier today, I was considering that as well.

Cruise Down on Brooke's Anti-Depressants






http://entertainment.msn.com/beacon/editorial1.aspx?ptid=c9fd7823-0d52-4e93-901b-7a696d91c31e

Cruise Down on Brooke's Anti-Depressants






http://entertainment.msn.com/beacon/editorial1.aspx?ptid=c9fd7823-0d52-4e93-901b-7a696d91c31e

That article strikes me as a tad against Tom Cruise, not Scientology. The writer enjoys every jeer, every rude joke he/she can say about the star, and pretends to pitty anybody who is taken in by Cruise's charm. I don't like articles like that. Now, I don't care very deeply for Tom Cruise. But as far as I can tell, the article doesn't prove anything against Scientology. It just proves that the writer is not a fan of Tom Cruise.

Or the Star Wars cult. :D
I am a fan of both. :)

I don't know much about Scientology, but I used to live next door to one of thier "Continental Liason Offices" and I always noticed that there were always pre-teen and teenage kids hanging around there at all hours of the day. In the building I live in now (around the corner from my old apartment) they had an apartment where I saw lots of teenagers coming and going at all hours of the day.

It just seemed a little odd to me.

It's okay if you're a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew
It's okay if you're agnostic and you don't know what to do
In all inclusive celebration
No contractual obligation
Happy Christmahanukwazukah to you

blah blah words I don't know
Girl: I'm a scientologist
Guy: That's kind of a religion

blah blah more words I don't know

It's okay if you're a Muslim, a Christian or a Jew
It's okay if you're agnostic and you don't know what to do
In all inclusive celebration
No contractual obligation
Happy Christmahanukwazukah to you



:lol: I loved that!

What's the deal with it? I think it's a cult. The end.

I agree. And I don't care what you think of me because of that. :p


And Tom Cruise should be smacked hard for what he said about Brooke Shields. It's none of his bloody business.

my problem with the trendy celebrity cults is the way they recruit. Like how Tom Cruise is trying to turn Katie Holmes (I respect Nicole Kidman for never once letting him turn her in their 10 years together) into a $cientologist. Same with the way Madonna is notorious for trying to convert all of her friends into the Kaballah crap.

I agree 100% Who cares what your friends and relatives are doing...get a brain of your own.

CULT: pron. kult, noun: A British rock band in the mid-80's who started out with names such as The Southern Death Cult, then morphed into The Death Cult, to finally simply The Cult, known for playing a heavy psychedelic influenced form of alternative rock complete with 60's rock-isms, especially with vocalist Ian Astburyand his evoking of Doors' lead singer Jim Morrison, as well as a cover of Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild."
The band straddled the line between 80's post-punk and 60's psychedelic rock, once two disparate styles until then. Lead guitarist Billy Duffy had foregone the popular "sgred" virtuosity of the 80's to concentrate on more blues-based "retro" hard rock, playing such instruments as the 50's Gretsch White Falcon and a Gibson Les Paul. The band also included drummer
Matt Sorum, who would later replace founding Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler in that 80's megaband. Their breakthrough 1985 album
Love featured such popular tracks as "She Sells Sanctuary", "Rain", and
"Revolution". The band chose Beastie Boys and Slayer producer for their 1987
album Electric, which featured the hit "Love Removal Machine", "Wild Flower", "Li'l Devil", and "King Contrary Man." The band broke wide open with their 1989 album Sonc Temple, produced by Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and future Metallica producer Bob Rock. The album yielded such hits as "Fire Woman", "Sun King", "Edie (Ciao Baby)," "Sweet Soul Sister", and "American Horse," though the album was more polished than their previous efforts. The band found wide exposure supporting Metallica on the Damaged Justice Tour, but found their popularity flagging in the 90's as the band, perceived as a "metal" band, was supplanted by a slew of Seattle alternative "grunge" bands who also attempted to bridge the gaps between punk, psychedelia, and metal as they did several years before. 1991's Ceremony paled in popularity compared to their earlier releases, but the band did manage to make a comeback tour in the late 90's, which resulted in 2000's Beyond Good and Evil album, featuring the excellent song and video, "Rise." In the past few years, Ian Astbury has been summoned as a replacement for his idol Jim Morrison in a rejuvenated version of The Doors, whose reunion has been short-lived. Many fans have been inspired by The Cult's raw sound and
Astbury's magnetic stage presence.

it sucks

lol...so Hubbard was a scifi writer, huh? Now it makes me laugh even more. And people laugh at Trekkies. Trekkies are overzealous fans...most don't pray to Capt. Kirk or have a church of the Starship Enterprise.

...most don't pray to Capt. Kirk or have a church of the Starship Enterprise.
Hey... SHUT UP!





























;)

And Tom Cruise should be smacked hard for what he said about Brooke Shields. It's none of his bloody business.

I agree! He can speak only when he's had post-partum depression.

The only thing I really know about Scientology is that it was created by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard and many famous people like Cruise and Travolta follow it. I'm a bit confused as to how a sci-fi writer can develop a religion and get people to actually follow it. This would be be sort of like if I put aside by Catholic upbringing and decided to follow the teachings of the wormhole Prophets on Star Trek-DS9. Would that really be all that different then what all these Hollywood types are doing with Hubbard and Scientology?

I've read that people give tons of money to Scientology too.

it's donations, the same as any other religion. It just becomes more widley known when Lisa Marie donates money to have a Center opened as oposed to someone donating a few dollars at the services on Sundays. Some how doing a good thing gives it more of a bad reputation.

it's donations, the same as any other religion. It just becomes more widley known when Lisa Marie donates money to have a Center opened as oposed to someone donating a few dollars at the services on Sundays. Some how doing a good thing gives it more of a bad reputation.
I didn't say it was a bad thing to donate or that it gives anyone a bad reputation. I didn't even imply it. I simply noted that people give a lot of money to Scientology, which was the topic being discussed.

If you want to read about a woman who died directly because of Scientology, just Google the name: "Lisa McPherson"

I remember reading about this situation in a magazine a while ago.
(someone more industrious please post the most objective article :) )

Now what do you think?

I don't think it's any worse than Madonna's religion, Kabbalah. Every thing I've read about that is really negative and it seems like a cult and a place for people without hope (at the moment) and giant wallets. I'm not a big religion/religious person anyway, so eh.

Kabbalah sounds like crap too. Madonna is always trying to recruit somebody.

If you want to read about a woman who died directly because of Scientology, just Google the name: "Lisa McPherson"

I remember reading about this situation in a magazine a while ago.
(someone more industrious please post the most objective article :) )

Now what do you think?


I guess vitamins didn't save her life! :( :rolleyes:


www.lisamcpherson.org

"They say, 'Hey, promiscuity is part of marriage, it's OK.' "

Apparently Tom Cruise said that about Scientology to Access Hollywood. Hmm...cheating on your spouse is OK!

:barf:

This would be be sort of like if I put aside by Catholic upbringing and decided to follow the teachings of the wormhole Prophets on Star Trek-DS9. Would that really be all that different then what all these Hollywood types are doing with Hubbard and Scientology?

:lol: Sounds like a plan!

I'm not a big religion/religious person anyway, so eh.

Me either. But I'd rather be an athiest than a Scientologist.

"They say, 'Hey, promiscuity is part of marriage, it's OK.' "

Apparently Tom Cruise said that about Scientology to Access Hollywood. Hmm...cheating on your spouse is OK!

:barf:


I didn't hear him say that, but aren't sure if I saw the whole interview. What he did say though was that it was Nicole who said something about being monogamous is against human nature and she didn't believe in it. He said he does definitely believe in it and relationships. I've heard him state that several times. Remember, even if he follows it, that doesn't mean he practices everything. Like most Catholics I know don't attend church - at all - or only at Christmas, maybe Easter and its usually to please their mothers.

I won't say that Scientology is a "cult", but it is certainly not a religion in my eyes.

There is a God and there was such a person named Jesus Christ. Psychology has proven to help millions of people. Scientology denounces that. Vitamins are an excellent source, however will do absolutely NOTHING to help someone with clinical depression. Vitamins will do nothing to cure my bi polar syndrome but Celexa sure as hell has. There is no comparison between Christianity and Scientology and I resent any and all comparisons.

What exactly is Scientology? Like what is it about? I don't totally get it...

This goes back to the 70s, but there was Jim Jones. He was insane and paranoid and took his followers to Jonestown, Guyana, where he had them commit mass suicide by drinking poisoned Kool-Aid. About 1,000 people died.

I'm not relating this to Scientology. Just remarking on cults.It was grape flavour! http://img171.exs.cx/img171/2706/koolaid1vp.gif

For some strange reason, it's something I keep reminding myself when I see a televangelist or a politician BSing on TV. As for Scientology, it's a money making scam.

What exactly is Scientology? Like what is it about? I don't totally get it...
Something about methods of therapy to help with emotional problems and such, started by some idiot who bet his friend that he could start his own religion. According to some site about it, "It teaches that human beings are immortal spirits called thetans and practices a ritual known as auditing, the purpose of which is to free the thetan from past painful experiences, making possible increased spiritual awareness and abilities." I'm NOT degrading scientologists themselves, but seriously are they just listening to whatever that guy says? i could found my own Sarahism religion, think of some beliefs and rituals to apply to it, start a church and make millions. Scientology isn't bad, i just can't see it as a real religion. it's just a way of dealing with things. not to mention the name clearly indicates that it's the study of science.

i could found my own Sarahism religion, think of some beliefs and rituals to apply to it, start a church and make millions.
So where do I sign up? :notworthy :notworthy

Something about methods of therapy to help with emotional problems and such, started by some idiot who bet his friend that he could start his own religion. According to some site about it, "It teaches that human beings are immortal spirits called thetans and practices a ritual known as auditing, the purpose of which is to free the thetan from past painful experiences, making possible increased spiritual awareness and abilities." I'm NOT degrading scientologists themselves, but seriously are they just listening to whatever that guy says? i could found my own Sarahism religion, think of some beliefs and rituals to apply to it, start a church and make millions. Scientology isn't bad, i just can't see it as a real religion. it's just a way of dealing with things. not to mention the name clearly indicates that it's the study of science.
Doesn't really seem to make much sense. Oddness.

I didn't hear him say that, but aren't sure if I saw the whole interview. What he did say though was that it was Nicole who said something about being monogamous is against human nature and she didn't believe in it. He said he does definitely believe in it and relationships. I've heard him state that several times. Remember, even if he follows it, that doesn't mean he practices everything. Like most Catholics I know don't attend church - at all - or only at Christmas, maybe Easter and its usually to please their mothers.

That's just what it said on imdb. Maybe they cut that part or something. Or it was taken out of context.

I won't say that Scientology is a "cult", but it is certainly not a religion in my eyes.

There is a God and there was such a person named Jesus Christ. Psychology has proven to help millions of people. Scientology denounces that. Vitamins are an excellent source, however will do absolutely NOTHING to help someone with clinical depression. Vitamins will do nothing to cure my bi polar syndrome but Celexa sure as hell has. There is no comparison between Christianity and Scientology and I resent any and all comparisons.

No St. John's Wort is going to fix my seretonin imbalance, that's for sure.

Psychologists/Psychiatrists and all their patients who have been helped should gang up on the Scientologists. :lol: That would be an odd sight.

but seriously are they just listening to whatever that guy says?

Hitler and Hubbard were soulmates...they knew how to manipulate desperate people to believe whatever they wanted.

The O'Reilly Factor is doing a story on Hollywood and Scientology tonight at 8pm on FOX News.

Does anyone else think this is not the kind of advanced publicity Spielberg wanted for "War Of The Worlds?"

;)

It's coming on after the commercial break. They're going to discuss the Tom Cruise/Brooke Shield's deal too.