New year, new thoughts on Scientology

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.

Getting some answers

I didn't intend for this blog to be so Scientology oriented, but once I started looking into the religion/cult, it just started taking over. It's so hard to get a real handle on it that it makes it difficult to let go.

I always want to know more. My basic problem is not figuring out why people would be Scientologists in the first place. I can understand a person's quest to improve their life and try on different belief systems. What I can't quite get, is what Scientology offers that keeps people interested and engaged -- two things that seem to mark religion, no matter a person's beliefs.

Still, can thousands of members be wrong? They must be getting something out of it, aren't they? Can that many people be brainwashed, as detractors contend?

My research so far has painted a pretty ugly picture of the Church of Scientology, or at least of its leadership and it's actual organization, as separate from believes.

I hope to get some understanding later this month when I join a group of former Scientologists at an annual weekend gathering I've been fortunate enough to be invited to. As a journalist it's a great chance to talk to a lot of people from different locales in the same setting -- and what a boon to talk to people face to face rather than through e-mail and social media.

I'm guessing some of these people abhor Scientology while others honor all or parts of it. Their stories will be fascinating, and I hope to share a few here. Something made them join, something made them stay and, then, something made them leave.

I hope to be enlightened. I long to know the attraction and substance that keeps people involved in this controversial religion/cult.

Anything that defies logic -- or at least my logic! -- moves me to desire a greater understanding. I want to know why people believe what they believe.

Stay tuned.

Scientology. What's the attraction?

I've seen the blogs, news stories, Tweets and all manner of opinion on Scientology and throughout have wondered what would be the attraction in the first place. That story doesn't seem to have been written. I hope to one day.

Meanwhile, I've come across on Marty Rathbun's blog (http://markrathbun.wordpress.com/31-factors/) and on the www.scientology-cult.com site something called 31 factors. Within telling what some claim David Miscavige is doing wrong, is a glimmer of what could be right about this religion, what would attract people to it's teachings and ways. Makes for fascinating reading.

Cults and cons

Take a look at this: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/italy/090717/vatican-investigates-legionaries-christ.

It's about a Catholic Church sect under fire for corruption, including abusing and brainwashing followers.

I saw this today. Coincidentally yesterday I watched a video of actor Jason Beghe talking about his experiences with Scientology and why he left.

Seems Scientology and the Legionaries of Christ have something in common. Beghe wold use the word "con."

My mind is boggled by what I've read about these two religions/cults. I wonder how people can be so fooled. I also wonder if I could be conned. Mostly I wonder, though, how can you figure out who to believe.

A search into people's beliefs doesn't necessarily make things more clear.

Does family count?

Last night I was getting to know a little more about a dedicated group of protesters questioning whether Scientology is more cult than faith, more business than religion. I hope to write a profile on this young, passionate contingent of do-gooders.

What was a philosophical discussion quickly turned personal, however, when a man came up to our table at a local IHOP obviously upset and with something on his mind.

"I overheard you talking about Scientology and I just have to say it's ruined my brother. He married a Scientologist, became one and now they've moved to Dubai and won't have anything to do with the family," he told us. He went on to condemn Scientology for many things -- some of which the protesters had been telling me about.

It occurred to me that many religions and cults aim to conquer and divide. They want their believers to fully embrace their doctrine and leave their former lives behind.

Are family and faith mutually exclusive?