| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 222.1 | Not much | CSC32::J_CHRISTIE | Extended family | Wed Apr 24 1991 21:34 | 11 |
| Actually, I know little more than what you've stated. L. Ron
Hubbard is a writer of science fiction novels. From what I do know
of it, Scientology is an eclectic synthesization of Eastern and Western
thought and its adherent must pay fees, some of which are considered
quite exorbitant, for taking various classes offered.
It is my understanding that the U.S. Supreme Court failed to recognize
Scientology as a church and has revoked the organization's tax exempt
status.
Richard
|
| 222.2 | | WMOIS::REINKE_B | bread and roses | Sun Apr 28 1991 19:31 | 5 |
| It is my understanding that Hubbard 'invented' scientology, as
a way of proving how gullible the public is and for enriching
his personal 'coffers'
Bonnie
|
| 222.3 | First-hand experience | JUPITR::NELSON | | Wed May 01 1991 02:57 | 32 |
| I spent three years in the New-Ageish quasi-religious cult of
Scientology in the late '70s. Everything seemed wonderful until I
left my job and joined their staff. Then the hell began; conformity
was absolutely essential and nothing could be questioned. Anything
that deviated from this was considered virtually an act of treason.
Those that showed tendencies to free thought or have differences of
opinions were held under suspicion and under a microscope of scrutiny.
There was a climate of paranoia and there always seemed to be one
person under the gun at all times.
When the pressure became extreme, the suspected staff member would
either be sent to a 'confessional' or to a rougher session with an
"Ethics Officer'.
I went through all this once I showed signs of recognizing that the
'emperor had no clothes'. I confessed to things I had not done and
left totally broken, unable to trust myself (thinking myself evil
and harmful to everyone in my life), alone (my boyfriend and friends
were all threatened with the same fate if they maintained contact with
me), and very very very poor.
My story ends in the best way; with my whole Self in shambles, I
finally gave myself to Jesus and with him as my new Cornerstone,
I have been rebuilt in Christ.
My advice is to stay away from it!!!
Peace,
Mary
|
| 222.4 | | SYSTEM::GOODWIN | Crazy like the parrot. WORRRRR!!! | Wed May 01 1991 05:47 | 11 |
| Hmm...
What you describe echoes with what happened to me...
The only difference was... the group I was with were born again
christians... I experienced a similar kind of hell. At first, I went
along with the 'do not question anything' idea, thinking they knew
better (and being na�ve). It was only after the exorcism I felt things
were amiss, then it got confirmed when they threatened me...
And these weren't Scientologists, these were supposedly christians!
|
| 222.5 | Timely? | WMOIS::REINKE_B | bread and roses | Wed May 01 1991 10:16 | 3 |
| Time magazine has a cover article on Scientology this week.
BJ
|
| 222.6 | need for discernment | JUPITR::NELSON | | Wed May 01 1991 19:07 | 16 |
| re: .4
There are such things as Christian Cults that use the same tactics;
these groups generally have very little in common with Gospel teachings
and are centered more on a single charismatic leader who gathers a
group of people as Christians but then do not lead them as such. Even
Christian groups need to be discerned by their fruits amongs other
criteria. "By their fruits you shall know them."...Jesus.
re: .5
I read the TIME article last night after entering my note; it is
very accurate. I feel I could write a book myself on the subject.
Mary
|
| 222.7 | pointer | CSC32::J_CHRISTIE | Extended family | Wed May 01 1991 21:25 | 11 |
| Re: .6
Thank you, Mary.
In my "Sociology of Religion" class we discussed cults and what
factors contribute to people both joining and leaving cults.
I've started a new note, 226.x, on the general topic of cults.
Peace,
Richard
|