Scientologists believe that everyone needs to be a Scientologist, or at least Scientologists need to be in control, or civilization will come to an end.
Certainly a heavy responsibility to literally save the world. (One could understand a commitment to such a high purpose).
Apocalyptic promises aren’t new, although for many an apocalypse leads to a better place for believers. Maybe Heaven.
But what is the promise of Scientology? All or nothing? Not much of a choice.
To that, those in the church would say L. Ron Hubbard’s teachings and dictates lead to self awareness – to achieving one’s greatest potential. How, though, does reaching one’s own potential jibe with getting everyone thinking alike? Confusing.
A former Scientologist-buddy of mine says Scientology is less apocalyptic in nature than it is Age of Aquarius – it’s about entering a new age of reason, peace and harmony. (One could understand that people of a certain age once heartily believed in the promise of the late ‘60/early ‘70s).
To that, former Scientologists Nancy Many and Marc Headley reveal in their 2009 books (“My Billion Dollar Contract” and “Blown for Good,” respectively) everything but peace and love. They speak of forced labor, minuscule pay, inhumane work hours and inconsistencies piled on inconsistencies – systematic unfairness and punishment.
Maybe getting out was apocalyptic for them. At the end of one world came an outside world . . . Heaven on earth?
Today, random thoughts at the beginning of 2010. Later, more on Nancy’s and Marc’s books.
Showing posts with label l. ron hubbard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label l. ron hubbard. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
You call this investigative?
All over Facebook and Twitter we're reading about the Church of Scientology's investigative piece in its own-produced Freedom magazine that supposedly contradicts the St. Pete Time's reporting this summer on the cruelty and abuses of the highest church leader on anyone below him.
Investigative? Please.
An investigative piece requires trained journalists questioning people,attributing that information and then seeking out alternate voices. It's called credibility. Who did the reporting in the 80-page Freedom magazine article? Only one side seems to be "reported" in this story.
Look at this. It's the explainer on page 79: "Investigative Reporting in the Public Interest Freedom Magazine has long been a voice for the Church of Scientology. Today,that voice exposes journalistic injustice within St. Petersburg Times—the trickery, the deception, the arrogance. But we know we are not alone. So to all who have been capriciously targeted by the Times: public servants, community leaders and members of the business community—let Freedom hear from you... And together, we can take a stand for decency and fair coverage,"
Rubbish.
Fair coverage? Where exactly is that within these pages? This so-called investigative report lectures from a specific point of view -- the antithesis of investigative reporting; the antithesis of intelligent questioning. Worst of all, this article has nothing to do with freedom. Such abuse of noble words and ideals hurts.
I revere good journalism. This isn't it. This is spouting off.
Investigative? Please.
An investigative piece requires trained journalists questioning people,attributing that information and then seeking out alternate voices. It's called credibility. Who did the reporting in the 80-page Freedom magazine article? Only one side seems to be "reported" in this story.
Look at this. It's the explainer on page 79: "Investigative Reporting in the Public Interest Freedom Magazine has long been a voice for the Church of Scientology. Today,that voice exposes journalistic injustice within St. Petersburg Times—the trickery, the deception, the arrogance. But we know we are not alone. So to all who have been capriciously targeted by the Times: public servants, community leaders and members of the business community—let Freedom hear from you... And together, we can take a stand for decency and fair coverage,"
Rubbish.
Fair coverage? Where exactly is that within these pages? This so-called investigative report lectures from a specific point of view -- the antithesis of investigative reporting; the antithesis of intelligent questioning. Worst of all, this article has nothing to do with freedom. Such abuse of noble words and ideals hurts.
I revere good journalism. This isn't it. This is spouting off.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Today's flower children?
I'm working on a couple of stories from eco-Judaism to a Life in Abundance book traveling to 50 churches before being sent to Africa to Scientology. Scientology? I've been fascinated since I discovered earlier this year that in a house in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, L. Ron Hubbard
wrote out his new religion: Scientology.
The St. Peterburg Times' recent series on the leadership in the church was eye opening. Closer to home, though, I'm talking to Phoenix Chanology, a group of dedicated, self-proclaimed computer geeks who are loosely associated with a global group call Anonymous in protesting what they consider to be human rights violations by the church.
The group protests monthly wearing V for Vendetta masks and holding a big arrow-shaped sign with the word "CULT" on it, pointing it directly behind them at Phoenix's Church of Scientology headquarters. They are orderly, mannerly and have an impressive collection of documents and backup material.
I remember flower children, sit-ins, tear gas and bullets from when I was young and in high school and then college. Protests were against the Vietnam War -- which always gave me a queasy feeling because my older brother was there and I needed to support him -- no matter what.
The war today's group is fighting is one against information -- lack of information, misinformation and distorted information.
They want people to know all there is to know about Scientology. They want to give potential congregants the skinny on the religion/cult.
In the battle of information, the troops that command the greatest computer skills will win. I can't help but think these cyberspace cadets have an edge.
wrote out his new religion: Scientology.
The St. Peterburg Times' recent series on the leadership in the church was eye opening. Closer to home, though, I'm talking to Phoenix Chanology, a group of dedicated, self-proclaimed computer geeks who are loosely associated with a global group call Anonymous in protesting what they consider to be human rights violations by the church.
The group protests monthly wearing V for Vendetta masks and holding a big arrow-shaped sign with the word "CULT" on it, pointing it directly behind them at Phoenix's Church of Scientology headquarters. They are orderly, mannerly and have an impressive collection of documents and backup material.
I remember flower children, sit-ins, tear gas and bullets from when I was young and in high school and then college. Protests were against the Vietnam War -- which always gave me a queasy feeling because my older brother was there and I needed to support him -- no matter what.
The war today's group is fighting is one against information -- lack of information, misinformation and distorted information.
They want people to know all there is to know about Scientology. They want to give potential congregants the skinny on the religion/cult.
In the battle of information, the troops that command the greatest computer skills will win. I can't help but think these cyberspace cadets have an edge.
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