New Orleans - The United States Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, has now issued three final judgments and mandates against David Miscavige's (the cult's current leader -LC) Religious Technology Center, RTC, and in favor of (1), The Estate of Lisa McPherson, (2), Dell Liebreich, and (3), Kennan G. Dandar, Thomas J. Dandar, and Dandar & Dandar, P.A.. The appellate court remanded the cases back to the trial court in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, to enter further Final Judgments according to the appellate decision finding a total lack of jurisdiction. The appellate court also granted an award of costs against RTC. Once the case is again before the trial court, then the victorious Estate and Dell and their counsel will move for attorney fees and costs as well as to return to Dandar the cash bond in excess of $100,000.
I believe that Scientology teachings are junk, but I know that Scientologists can be very intelligent and sagacious.
Welcome to the jungle. I'll be looking forward to reading your contributions.
The way I feel is that what I've done so far in scientology has helped me out quite a bit more than anything else ever has. So, no I don't take it on blind faith, I see it for what it is, not what people tell me it is.
I posted this reply
Let's not forget that his (L.Ron Hubbard's) books were written and marketed in the 50's, 60's & 70's as SCIENCE FICTION. I remember, as a child in the 70's, seeing the paperbacks in the sci-fi bestseller displays (and later self-help) at the mall. My mother recognized it as drivel and cautioned me about it then.
on this previous thread -
Tom Cruise: How Scientology Helped Me .
One of the features that distinguishes a cult from a religious group is one's ability to leave the group or disagree with a group member or teaching and also to associate with family and friends who aren't members of the group. Speaking as someone who has witnessed a person 'disappear' when trying to leave a cult (my friend's good friend), I can say it's scary stuff.
I'm glad that you don't take everything at face value. It's always good to want to self-improve, but a quick trip to a bookstore or search on google can turn up dozens of ways in addition to scientology. You mention that you don't believe everything they say and that you are just beginning, so issues of leaving or spending time with non-COS friends and family may not be an issue, but beware should you ever be told to disassociate with loved ones or have those loved ones demonized by 'teachers' or pay sums of money so large that it financially straps you. Groups with your best intentions at heart will NOT ask this of you. (Rehab groups treat your existing addictions or illness not necessarily your soul and have a finishing point where you hopefully 'graduate' and go back to your regular, non-addicted life.)
Ok whatever. I get your point that its a ridiculous story and impossible to believe; as if other religions dont believe in some ridiculous things? If thats all it is then why aren't you against all religions for their belief in god? Is that your only argument?
Here's the difference. I can walk into a Catholic Church, and in the space of an hour or so, hear all about their teachings and theology. If I then decide that the idea of actually consuming the flesh of Christ at Communion is a "ridiculous story", I can move along to another church looking for beliefs that better fit my belief system.
On the other hand, I don't even get to hear the whole "Xenu" garbage until I reach OT3. And that involves many years and many thousands of dollars. I'm never given the chance to examine the "theology" of Scientology because it is some sort of secret.
Do you see the IMMENSE difference?