Scientology (as a Cult)

[WhiteSeal]

Most people have heard of Ron Hubbard's "religion", Scientology. Recently, Scientology has been coming under fire from various groups claiming it to be a "cult". There's quite a bit of evidence surrounding it, mainly the cover-ups of Scientology surrounding the deaths of some of their followers (one by gunshot to the middle of the forehead, supposedly a suicide).

Other evidence, such as quote by Ron Hubbard himself:
[SIZE=+1]"Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion"

[/SIZE]Hubbard said this shortly before starting his religion, which has collected billions in its existence. It costs 370,000 USD to achieve the highest rank of Scientology. Once you have achieved this rank, you are presented with the "secret" knowledge that reality is lie, ghosts of aliens inhabit your body, and Xenu brought aliens to Earth and killed them inside the volcanoes of Hawaii. (yes, they do tell you that.)

Hubbard created a small fleet for Scientology, which is generally kept in international waters because it is banned from docking in most nations.

Scientology has responded to claims that it is a cult by abolishing some of their codes for punishment. (Enemies of the religion were allowed to be punished via lethal force.) This is one of the documents they previously had in action.

HUBBARD COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, Sussex

HCO Policy Letter of 18 October 1967,
Issue IV
Remimeo

PENALTIES FOR LOWER CONDITIONS

(Applies both Orgs and Sea Org)


LIABILITY Suspension of pay and a dirty grey rag on left arm and day
and night confinement to org premises.

TREASON Suspension of pay and deprivation of all uniforms and insignia,
a black mark on left cheek and confinement on org premises or
dismissal from post and debarment from premises.

DOUBT Debarment from premises. Not to be employed. Payment of fine
amounting to any sum may have cost org. Not to be trained or
processed. Not to be communicated or argue with.

ENEMY SP Order. Fair game. May be deprived of property or injured by
any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the
Scientologist. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed.


LRH:jp L. RON HUBBARD
Copyright (c) 1967 Founder
by L. Ron Hubbard
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Xenu.net is a site dedicated to spreading the "truth" about the religion
so, i don't know whether to believe it all or not.

Is Scientology a cult or a respectable religion?

 

[Somkid]

Well, this "religion" (and I use the term loosely) was founded on [SIZE=-1]Dianetics (science fiction) by L. Ron Hubbard so, that is to say it would be illegitimate to form a religion based on Star Trek by Gene Roddenberry or perhaps LEXX now that would be whacked out.
[/SIZE]

 

[doppelganger]

Scientology seems stranger than other religions because its origins and sources are still in recent memory. Dealt with in terms of it symbolism and practices, it obviously has its power, as its many very determined adherents attest.

There's definitely something there though. It's a shame it is so reviled and we can't keep regular adherents here at RF. I'd really like to discuss it with someone who follows it.

 

[WhiteSeal]

Scientology seems stranger than other religions because its origins and sources are still in recent memory. Dealt with in terms of it symbolism and practices, it obviously has its power, as its many very determined adherents attest.

There's definitely something there though. It's a shame it is so reviled and we can't keep regular adherents here at RF. I'd really like to discuss it with someone who follows it.

As I understand the CoS (Church of Scientology) is not a very big fan of the internet, and these days most of their interactions are headed by "Public Relations" (members of the church are advised not to answer questions about the religion at anti-CoSprotests)

As for symbolism, oddest characteristic of the Scientology is that it's meant to be interpreted absolutely literally. That whole Thetans in your body and Xenu ruled this galactic sector billions of years ago until he blew up all the aliens is meant to be taken...literally. You can pay 365 USD to (literally) have a Thetan removed from your body.

Creepy...

 

[doppelganger]

As I understand the CoS (Church of Scientology) is not a very big fan of the internet, and these days most of their interactions are headed by "Public Relations" (members of the church are advised not to answer questions about the religion at anti-CoSprotests)

My only real complaint against them is their lack of respect for free speech. Ironic considering their other problems.

As for symbolism, oddest characteristic of the Scientology is that it's meant to be interpreted absolutely literally.

That's an odd characteristic of every religion. It's not "meant" to be that way - though it certainly can be and frequently is with every religion. Scientology is no different in that regard.

That whole Thetans in your body and Xenu ruled this galactic sector billions of years ago until he blew up all the aliens is meant to be taken...literally. You can pay 365 USD to (literally) have a Thetan removed from your body.

Creepy...

No creepier than imagining demons and angels inhabiting people and distorting their vision and prompting their actions.

But then, it's all symbolic to me.

 

[Mr Intrepid]

Aren't all religions cults when they are new? If one person holds a unique religious view he is insane, if a group of people hold it they are a cult, if a significant number of people hold it they follow a religion. Many people think scientology is crazy and ridiculous apart from the followers - trust me christians aethiests like myself think the same about Christians so don't be so quick to judge

 

[kai]

As I understand the CoS (Church of Scientology) is not a very big fan of the internet, and these days most of their interactions are headed by "Public Relations" (members of the church are advised not to answer questions about the religion at anti-CoSprotests)

As for symbolism, oddest characteristic of the Scientology is that it's meant to be interpreted absolutely literally. That whole Thetans in your body and Xenu ruled this galactic sector billions of years ago until he blew up all the aliens is meant to be taken...literally. You can pay 365 USD to (literally) have a Thetan removed from your body.

Creepy...

cheap at double the price --those damn thetans are everywhere

 

[Ben Dhyan]

Whiteseal said
You can pay 365 USD to (literally) have a Thetan removed from your body.


I wonder if LRH spoke with a lisp?

 

[Alpha]

is anyone here a scientologist?

 

[agent_smith]

Scientology makes just as much sense as Christianity. Let's face it.

A worldwide flood. A virgin birth. A talking snake. Eternal damnation. Life after death. 6000 year old Earth. Sin. Walking on water. Parting the sea. The word BS comes to mind!

 

[doppelganger]

Scientology makes just as much sense as Christianity. Let's face it.

I don't find it any more or less strange than any other religion when it is taken as literally 'true'.

 

[Fluffy]

And Tacitus blames the fire in Rome on Christians.

When a religion is new and held by a minority then of course the majority are going to say that it is both ridiculous and dangerous.

2000 years later...

 

[Alpha]

I think that (though i may be wrong in thinking) Scientology is to believe what Mr. Hubbard has said literaly. Whereas my take on Christianity and what i believe is more symbolic. Like the feeding of the 5000 was this child who gave up everything he had which inspired others to do the same and so all together the 5000 had enough food collectively.

 

[Random]

Scientology is a business, first and foremost. Ever seen the list of companies, firms and organizations (incl. some Tax-exempt, supposedly "non-profit") that the RTC (Religious Technology Centre) owns? I have.

For those who don't know, the Church of Scientology and the Religious Technology Centre are actually two seperate corporate entities that make up the movement known as Scientology. The head of the RTC, David Miscavige (Google it!), is known in Scientology as "C.O.B" (Chairman of the Board) or simply as "DM", his initials, and he is the top man in Scientology because he is head of the RTC, which is the parent of the Church of Scientology.

The RTC holds all the patents for Scientology's symbols, terms, Dianetic techniques, etc, and that is why it is the power centre.

Anyway, it seems to be very money-centric. So get loaded if you wanna join the cult!

 

[Frater Sisyphus]

Aren't all religions cults when they are new?

Depending on the definition (and context) of the word:

Less commonly referred to - A cult can be just a small religious movement (which every religion started as, at some point) or group. Nothing sinister about it, it's just related to size and age.

Which answers your question, but:

Most commonly referred to - A cult is mostly known as a type of group (or organisation) that exploits it's followers for monetary gain, participates in Gaslighting it's followers who don't comply, excludes them from society, kills it's followers (suicide cults), blackmails them, etc and all of the above.

Scientology (or at least the Church itself) is quite clearly the second one.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Most people have heard of Ron Hubbard's "religion", Scientology. Recently, Scientology has been coming under fire from various groups claiming it to be a "cult". There's quite a bit of evidence surrounding it, mainly the cover-ups of Scientology surrounding the deaths of some of their followers (one by gunshot to the middle of the forehead, supposedly a suicide).

Other evidence, such as quote by Ron Hubbard himself:
[SIZE=+1]"Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wants to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion"

[/SIZE]Hubbard said this shortly before starting his religion, which has collected billions in its existence. It costs 370,000 USD to achieve the highest rank of Scientology. Once you have achieved this rank, you are presented with the "secret" knowledge that reality is lie, ghosts of aliens inhabit your body, and Xenu brought aliens to Earth and killed them inside the volcanoes of Hawaii. (yes, they do tell you that.)

Hubbard created a small fleet for Scientology, which is generally kept in international waters because it is banned from docking in most nations.

Scientology has responded to claims that it is a cult by abolishing some of their codes for punishment. (Enemies of the religion were allowed to be punished via lethal force.) This is one of the documents they previously had in action.
Xenu.net is a site dedicated to spreading the "truth" about the religion
so, i don't know whether to believe it all or not.

Is Scientology a cult or a respectable religion?

From everything I heard, it's just a hairbreath away from being a criminal organization.

 

[Frater Sisyphus]

L. Ron Hubbard is the wizard behind the curtain from The Wizard Of Oz, except it is a criminal organisation that we are talking about. And there is no tapping your feet to get out of it.

 

[Frater Sisyphus]

I've gotta admit though, as both a book-lover and fan of architecture - both the books and the Scientology buildings are very aesthetically pleasing and well-designed.



(perhaps, that is an aspect that attracts many people in there too? - as religious organisations/buildings aren't as flash designed in general, aside from Cathedrals)