Scientology: What is it?

[wayniac]

All the celebs are into it and I vaguely know it's got something to do with aliens and tom cruise but other than that what is it all about?

If anyone knows can they please explain it to me?
Thanks!

 

[MadJack]

get the book dianetics by l ron hubbard.

 

[Mjolnir]

there have been a few documentaries on dianetics on i believe one of the discovery channels. it's amazing how much money they bring in. seemed like a cult to me, but who knows. there is an amazing amount of info out there about them.

 

[SixFive]

you're right, Mj, it is a cult.

 

[smurphy]

I heard that it all got started off a bet L Ron Hubbard made with someone that he could start a religion. If that's true, I think it's the greatest religion ever invented.

It's all about capitalism. When I was a bible thumper, the big fear was Mormons because they were the fastest growing. The faiths and politics were similar, but they were really competing over money. Same with Scientology. The faith is harmless, but other churches hate to see the money fly away.

All religions are cults. There's no way around that IMO.

 

[marine]

ok, scientology in a nutshell.

Ever hear of the golden rule?

Ever hear Dare to say NO to drugs?

There ya go.

 

[JCDunkDogs]

Scientology = pile of dog rockets

I knew a couple of people that got involved. One stopped speaking to his friends, and the other dropped out after spending two years and $48,000 in classes.

What's worse: the organization has a mean streak. If you criticize them, they come after you with a vengance.

 

[wayniac]

oh ok, sounds pretty scary
I'll have to read up more on this 'dianetics' in google
thanks

 

[wayniac]

just had a look at the official site:

'Don?t live with insecurity, negative thoughts and irrational behavior. Use Dianetics and get rid of your reactive mind'

seems a bit like an amway meeting.
So far it seems different from what I previously thought Scientology was about. I heard somewhere that the movie 'Battlefield Earth' was about scientology.
they don't mention aliens anywhere in what I've read on this site though. or is that only once they've got u hooked?

 

[smurphy]

seems a bit like an amway meeting.

yes - i think that nails it

 

[JCDunkDogs]

Scientology is more like a cross between Learning Annex and the Mafia.

 

[djv]

Just think they want to be in the pledge. They want in on that part about in ??? we trust. Everyones has got one of those ???. Soon they will want there own money with some theme on it. Sounds like a political party does it not.

 

[McVegas]

All religions suck, there is no god, just enjoy your life without pissing on everybody else. Most wars are either about land or religion, find it difficult to BELIEVE in . As for Scientology (sic?), who cares, bunch of overpaid jackoffs, Cruise? Travolta??? That guy flies his own jet (he's a pilot) and wears a pilot's uniform while doing it, yeah thats the religion I want to join, hey Hubbard, **** OFF!!!!!

 

[JCDunkDogs]

Hubbard was repeatedly accused of adopting a religious facade for Scientology in order for the organization to maintain tax-exempt status and avoid prosecution for false medical claims. These accusations have dogged the Church of Scientology to the present day, bolstered by numerous accounts from Hubbard's fellow science-fiction authors that on various occasions he stated that the way to get rich was to start a religion.