An excellent article on the current state of Scientology. Lots is going on at this point in time and this pulls all the pieces together in a clear, relatively concise, coherent manner.
Good reading.
A must for anyone interested in this subject at all, no matter what your views or leanings:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/22/scientology-cruise-haggis-us-australia
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
2009 East Coast SP Party (Suppressive Person)
Patty likes to garden, entertain and save people from Scientology – a religion/cult she experienced from the inside out.
This was her perfect weekend.
Friday afternoon barbecue through coffee Sunday morning, her backyard garden was filled with former Scientologists, friends of former Scientologists and young people who protest against Scientology – they’re called Anons for the global leaderless cyberspace community that takes up free speech and civil rights issues.
The ex Scientologists are heroes to these kids, and rightly so.
They were brave enough to leave a life some had known for more than 20 years by breaking with the religion/cult and doubly brave to go online to describe what they saw and say is an organization of dirty tricks, physical abuse and lies, lies and more lies.
The Church of Scientology isn’t too fond of these foes, and the CofS is a tough enemy to have. L Ron Hubbard told his followers that his truth was the only truth and any non believer needed to be defeated.
For a prolific science fiction writer that could create a religion complete with space aliens, LRH apparently couldn’t imagine the World Wide Web. Too bad for his CofS.
The combination of former Scientologists sharing their messages online with the power of young cyber protesters may be the strength of sheer numbers and commitment to start turning war -- Scientology versus everyone else -- into conflict and battles into skirmishes until the wind is taken out of the CofS sails, and the religion/cult fades to black.
Ironically, CofS may be bringing on its own demise.
When the religion/cult hierarchy started coming down hard on these cyber protesters who take their Internet energy to the streets and physically protest at church sites, it just strengthened the protesters’ resolve. When CofS minions took down license plates, filed lawsuits and generally harassed church detractors, they merely fueled the fire.
Left alone, these bloggers/message board readers/Web site creators likely would have found other causes after the protest was organized last year and executed.
Back to Patty’s backyard this past weekend. One of the main guys admitted just that. Had the CofS not dragged him into court, he likely would have moved on. The first global protest last year was meant to be a one-time thing.
But, when you try to suppress free speech, it riles people. Thankfully.
For the fourth year Patty held a weekend party where those fighting against the CofS united to swap stories, seek inspiration from those who broke away and thank those who hit the streets to protest.
Good food and drink, deep conservations, maybe some plotting, and a rather raucous awards ceremony -- just what Patty likes.
This was her perfect weekend.
Friday afternoon barbecue through coffee Sunday morning, her backyard garden was filled with former Scientologists, friends of former Scientologists and young people who protest against Scientology – they’re called Anons for the global leaderless cyberspace community that takes up free speech and civil rights issues.
The ex Scientologists are heroes to these kids, and rightly so.
They were brave enough to leave a life some had known for more than 20 years by breaking with the religion/cult and doubly brave to go online to describe what they saw and say is an organization of dirty tricks, physical abuse and lies, lies and more lies.
The Church of Scientology isn’t too fond of these foes, and the CofS is a tough enemy to have. L Ron Hubbard told his followers that his truth was the only truth and any non believer needed to be defeated.
For a prolific science fiction writer that could create a religion complete with space aliens, LRH apparently couldn’t imagine the World Wide Web. Too bad for his CofS.
The combination of former Scientologists sharing their messages online with the power of young cyber protesters may be the strength of sheer numbers and commitment to start turning war -- Scientology versus everyone else -- into conflict and battles into skirmishes until the wind is taken out of the CofS sails, and the religion/cult fades to black.
Ironically, CofS may be bringing on its own demise.
When the religion/cult hierarchy started coming down hard on these cyber protesters who take their Internet energy to the streets and physically protest at church sites, it just strengthened the protesters’ resolve. When CofS minions took down license plates, filed lawsuits and generally harassed church detractors, they merely fueled the fire.
Left alone, these bloggers/message board readers/Web site creators likely would have found other causes after the protest was organized last year and executed.
Back to Patty’s backyard this past weekend. One of the main guys admitted just that. Had the CofS not dragged him into court, he likely would have moved on. The first global protest last year was meant to be a one-time thing.
But, when you try to suppress free speech, it riles people. Thankfully.
For the fourth year Patty held a weekend party where those fighting against the CofS united to swap stories, seek inspiration from those who broke away and thank those who hit the streets to protest.
Good food and drink, deep conservations, maybe some plotting, and a rather raucous awards ceremony -- just what Patty likes.
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
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.
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 31, 2009
100 spiritual & religion Tweeter feeds
And, my christiac is included. I'm honored.
http://onlinechristiancolleges.net/100-twitter-feeds-for-your-spiritual-enlightenment.
Cool.
http://onlinechristiancolleges.net/100-twitter-feeds-for-your-spiritual-enlightenment.
Cool.
Monday, July 27, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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.
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.
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