Celebrity Centre, Hollywood
Posted on 05/14/2010 9:45:04 AM PDT by Shimmer1
Most people know very little about Scientology aside from the fact that Tom Cruise, John Travolta and other celebrities are a part of it, and that it's had its fair share of controversy over the years. A new book is looking to pull back the curtain on the mysterious religion founded by L. Ron Hubbard, and the author certainly knows her stuff. Amy Scobee is a former Scientologist who was in the church for more than two decades, and worked in the all-important Celebrity Centers portion of the organization. In her just-released book, 'Scientology: Abuse at the Top,' Scobee details all of the troubling things she saw that made her flee what she once called her trusted religion, but now refers to as a "dangerous cult." Scobee spoke exclusively to PopEater over e-mail about her shocking book, her time with Tom Cruise and other Scientology bigwigs, and the (her words) brainwashing, systematic violence and slave labor camps she saw during her 27 years there.
(Excerpt) Read more at popeater.com ...
It is the cult of Øbama we really have to worry about...
Yes, Øbama is a more immediate threat, but Scn is very pernicious in it's own right.
by Walter Martin, Author
Ravi Zachiarias, Editor
The authoritative reference work on major cult systems for nearly forty years. Working closely together, Ravi Zacharias and Managing Editors Jill and Kevin Rische (daughter of Dr. Martin) have updated and augmented the work with new material. This book will continue as a crucial tool in countercult ministry and in evangelism for years to come. Among cults and religions included are: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, New Age Cults, the Unification Church, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and more.
I dated a scientologist in high school. Cute, but crazy as a loon. But, she was “top-heavy” ... so what did I care?
SnakeDoc
I’ve read they treat their celebrities different then they do the little people.
It's the gold standard for encyclopedic and very good information about cult groups.
Anyone engaged in something more than a casual interest in apologetics will discover an incredible value in Walter Martin's classic "The Kingdom of the Cults." This updated edition is similar in structure as earlier editions, but fairly acknowledges major changes in theology and activity in various religious groups. Intended for the thinking Christian and the open-minded nonChristian, Martin's book has continually challenged people to rely on Scripture for their theology.
This is an unusual book in that it is neither an evangelical or fundamentalism critique of those who disagree, but a deeper look at the histories, documents, arguments at groups in opposition to orthodoxy. I first read this skeptically, but was impressed by the immense research by Martin and his team of editors.
There is a dual functionality to "The Kingdom of the Cults." Not only does it explain the distinctives of groups such as the Jehovah Witnesses and the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but in doing so, it teaches Scriptural fundamentals of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and provides direction for testing our own faith with the Bible. Martin's exposure of what the groups themselves are claiming will disturb many within the group as they discover the truth. He is quick to grant the strengths of a group, but points them to Scripture to make their own comparisons (as opposed to relying on Martin's views). He prefers the reader to think for himself, not content to depend on his book, or any other book but the Bible. This balance is rare in Christian literature, and a value in reading "The Kingdom of the Cults."
Martin provides a meaty analysis of all the major groups, as well as primary lines of thought within Protestant perspectives, and Roman Catholicism. Beyond specific groups, there is plenty of coverage of the general critical analysis on topics like mind control, apocalyptic cults, the impact of cults on the mission field, Eastern religions, and language and psychological issues.
He is sure to point out a group's popularity (like the fast growing LDS and Islam sects) doesn't make it truth, truth is not democratic.
Martin is bold to use the groups' own literature rather than hearsay, to prove his points. This has stirred controversy among those such as Muslim students, LDS laity and JW leadership who have not known of the difficult history of their church. He leaves room for the vagaries often existing when dependent on secondary sources.
This edition includes substantial portions of the refutations and other dialogues, providing the reader an idea of the response from the cult's leadership. Sadly, it shows that though the book is quickly disputed, none take Martin to task. In many cases, they agree, but are uncomfortable at the label 'cult.'
The bibliography is 27 pp strong, organized by topic and group. This is in addition to the 12-page Scripture Index.
"The Kingdom of the Cults" includes an appendix of several groups. For example, the Worldwide Church of God's full acceptance of the Trinity is explained, as well as the foundation for this significant move in their theology.
"The Kingdom of the Cults" also criticizes the Word of Faith movement. It is careful to show what this movement believes, and how it is not simply Pentecostalism under another name. "The Kingdom of the Cults" emphasizes "there are many sincere, born again believers within the movement" (Hank Hanagraaff).
I recommend "The Kingdom of the Cults" enthusiastically. Buy it, and read it contemplatively and compassionately as you discover what your neighbor might believe.
Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com
Yep. There's a policy letter detailing the need to coddle them.
There are even "Celebrity Centres" set aside to cater to the special needs of celebrities world wide (and to insulate them from the crap that goes on in your local org).
Similar story. I was dating an absolute dream fox who was basically non religious as far as I knew.
Several months into the relationship, her parents converted to Scientology. They tried to enlist her in the cult but she resisted at first. Eventually she attended a couple of their "ceremonies" with her parents.
Within about three weeks after that her personality, her passion for life and her interest in me, or anything else, changed dramatically.
She became increasingly distant and finally just disappeared. Left her apartment, job, everything.
I have no idea what happened to her - she's just a sad memory now - she was a true beauty ruined by Scientology.
I’ve heard that for years. No wonder the celebs love it, they are treated like they are kings and queens. I hope and pray for their sakes, God opens their eyes and they see the evil, vile cult for what it is and the truth of who Jesus Christ is.
It is possible to ‘cognite’ and leave. I’ve done it. It’s certainly harder for a high visibility member, but doable even for them.
Haha. Might be the same girl.
Actually — she was a scientologist when I met her. I wasn’t sure what a scientologist was, and didn’t really care (like I said ... top-heavy). Her parents were kinda weird (surfer hippie types), but nice enough. She talked about going to college at Texas A&M ... but, after high school, her and her parents moved to California, she bailed on college, and joined the “Sea Org”.
That was the last I heard from her. I’m sure the mother ship has already taken her back. Shame. She was cute and quite bright — National Merit Scholar. What a loon.
SnakeDoc
“There are even “Celebrity Centres” set aside to cater to the special needs of celebrities” yikes, I’m trying to imagine the one set aside for Kirstie Alley...
I would think the higher profile converts would in away be easier. I also suppose in away it would be harder because they are coddled, more blinded. Harder to see the reality of the falseness and ugliness of that religion when everyone around them is waiting on them hand and foot. The one thing on their side would be their celebrity. If Scientology came after them they have resources that the little guy doesn't have.
And very good at what they do (whatever that is)
In the late 70s, a friend of mine and I stopped in NYC after our summer in the Maine woods, and one afternoon, looking for a pub for lunch, we got accosted by the Scientologists, wanting to do a personality test. We were in our 20s, likely high as kites (mj), so we thought it would be hoot.
I gave them only my first name. 3 weeks later, to my home address, came something from the scientologists referencing the personality test taken in NYC. Even allowing for the fact that I may have slipped and given them my last name, that would not have led them to me, as my bio dad had passed in the early 60s and mom remarried, so I did not share the last name associated with that address.
Celebrity Centre, Hollywood
I would think the higher profile converts would in away be easier.
Nope. Higher emotional investment, more 'face' to lose, higher blackmail potential.
One of the hardest things on earth is to get off of a scientology ailing list.
There was even a case where a woman reported the death of her spouse, with a request that they stop mailing him as the constant reminders were upsetting her.
She got back a letter that said we got that he’s gone, do you have a forwarding address for him?...
I think you mistook what I was saying. I just asked what’s your testimony you don’t have to be a Christian to have a testimony.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.