Posted on 02/24/2006 11:05:41 AM PST by Central Scrutiniser
Inside Scientology
Unlocking the complex code of America's most mysterious religion
The faded little downtown area of Clearwater, Florida, has a beauty salon, a pizza parlor and one or two run-down bars, as well as a bunch of withered bungalows and some old storefronts that look as if they haven't seen customers in years. There are few cars and almost no pedestrians. There are, however, buses -- a fleet of gleaming white and blue ones that slowly crawl through town, stopping at regular intervals to discharge a small army of tightly organized, young, almost exclusively white men and women, all clad in uniform preppy attire: khaki, black or navy-blue trousers and crisp white, blue or yellow dress shirts. Some wear pagers on their belts; others carry briefcases. The men have short hair, and the women keep theirs pulled back or tucked under headbands that match their outfits. No one crosses against the light, and everybody calls everybody else "sir" -- even when the "sir" is a woman. They move throughout the center of Clearwater in tight clusters, from corner to corner, building to building.
This regimented mass represents the "Sea Organization," the most dedicated and elite members of the Church of Scientology. For the past thirty years, Scientology has made the city of Clearwater its worldwide spiritual headquarters -- its Mecca, or its Temple Square. There are 8,300 or so Scientologists living and working in Clearwater -- more than in any other city in the world outside of Los Angeles. Scientologists own more than 200 businesses in Clearwater. Members of the church run schools and private tutoring programs, day-care centers and a drug-rehab clinic. They sit on the boards of the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts.
(Excerpt) Read more at rollingstone.com ...
Chuck Norris-style.
bookmk ping right here,with a kick[LOL!!]
... good thread , btw
ping
I happen to agree that it is worshipping Satan. Perhaps in a different form or manner than the true "Satanism", but worshipping Satan nonetheless. So is Islam and plenty of other religions.
Christianity is an exclusive religion except for the special place it holds the Jewish people. All so-called Unitarian concepts aside, Christianity states you must accept Christ. The opposing forces are of Satan.
Beyond the money making aspect (which I suspect benefits only the upper echelon of Scientology), this is a pop psychology cult. The fact that big name celebrities fall for this given some of the absurdities mentioned in the article and are not ridiculed by the Hollywood set that would quickly denigrate Christians is telling.
Why are they all so afraid of Christianity? Down deep in their hearts they fear the message is TRUE. They don't fear other religions in the same way.
I recall that they got the exempt status once Clinton got into the White House.
Hey you can't print a picture insulting another person's religion! </s>
Thanks for the link.
I have heard of terrible extortion, particularly perpetrated against former members. I didn't know deaths had occurred, though.
It's understandable to hold that what you believe is right--who in their right mind is going to hold a view not even they believe in?
And obviously to believing that all views are equal, as is popular today, is to stand for nothing.
If we hold that what we believe is the one path to salvation, or as in the case of Scientology, enlightenment and self-actualization, then we naturally want to share it with others.
That becomes problematic, though, when instead of presenting it as a gift we wish to share we force it on others whether they want it or not, and take retribution against those who reject our perspective--and particularly when retribution is sanctioned from the top by leaders of the "religion", as is the case with both Scientology and Islam.
Creepy as anything I've ever read.
Exactly
I think that's pretty much it too.
His son actually died in '91, just a few years after his father did. In the early days he was in on it, but left after a little while, and even changed his name. Eventually he spilled his guts about what a clever, but shameless con artist his father was, which I would think has got to be difficult for any son.
Probably the world's most successful scam.
Blah blah blah, go play "hate the muslims" elsewhere
Ok, but I don't see how there can be such a huge differing of perspective on solid facts. Satanists do not believe in Satan or any other supernatural being. Period. It's just a fact. My brother is a true-blue Satanist and mentally devours everything Crowley. We have had many discussions about religion and I have learned a LOT about Satanism from him and the stuff he has had me read.
Perhaps, in your perspective, not worshipping God constitutes worshipping Satan, but I just can't draw that conclusion.
Sorry about the "no clue" thing. It was a bit harsh. :)
People fear Christianity because it is the dominant religion. I don't think they fear the message. If they did, they would surely convert, wouldn't they? I sure wouldn't want to burn in hell for all eternity for not being a believer. That fear alone should be plenty of incentive to be a Christian.
Long article, but a good one. Thanks for posting it.
Once again, I remind you that you do not tell me where and how I will "play".
Although I do feel sorry for you being so narrow-minded and naive as to expect you should contol what is said on your little post so that it goes exactly as you imagined, I'm still not going to give in to your censorship, no matter how childish you get in your demands and name calling.
Here's a suggestion that may keep you from future tantrums: When you post an article require that readers FreepMail their posts to you, then you can decide which ones are acceptable and post them.
If no one wants to play by your rules, as I suspect you'll find, then take my suggestion and start you own forum with membership limited to childish totalitarians like yourself.
Creston (where Hubbard died) and Cholame (prounounced "sheh-LAM) where Dean died are in my native San Luis Obispo County, and in the middle of land known for cattle grazing, dry grain farming for livestock, horse breeding, and vineyards. It's in rolling hills, oaks, and near a bit of a plain (Carissa Plain), but most decidedly NOT DESERT. The nearest desert is hundreds of miles away. Just had to get that off my chest!!
If you can call me an arab sympathiser, I can call you whatever I want too.
My dad can beat up your dad.
(what did you do after you pulled up my sign up date? Probably ruined your whole "you are a newbie" strategy.)
LOL
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