Twenty-some years ago my mother-in-law was pulled into the clutches of the Scientologists. I don't fault her for going that route. It was a hard time in her life and Scientology promises much in the way of happiness and taking control. She's just another example of why critical thinking is so important. After giving the church much more money than she should have, she came to her senses and demanded every penny back. They eventually did pay her back and all is now good. My husband was a boy of about 12 at the time that his mom was going to sessions and he often got taken along. He was put in another room to colour and kept occupied while his mom was "audited" and regressed into her past lives.
The Scientologists have now found him again. A few months ago a member of the church called us and asked Ken if he was still interested in the teachings. I found that odd since his mom sued them for the money they took from her, but I guess that may not be common knowledge in their files. Ken told them he wasn't interested and hoped that would be it. Shortly thereafter however, we got a package in the mail with some literature and a DVD. I have watched the lengthy DVD in it's entirety to get an idea of what the Scientologists claim they are all about.
The whole video is an advertisement of the good they do in the world. Only a small fraction was devoted to their creed, beliefs and practices. If what they claim is to be believed (a DVD made about The Church of Scientology BY the Church of Scientology is going to be very skewed to the positive) then it seems that they are a doing a whole lot of good for mankind. I applaud their efforts on the human rights front, anti-drug campaign and literacy. All of which are said to be secular and global efforts which appear to be very worthwhile and making a difference . Of course, many other organizations are tackling these issues as well. But like I said, that's if the propaganda of the video is to be believed.
The main theme of Scientology though just seems to be self-help. How to be happy, more fulfilled, handle your emotions and those of others, and just to be a better person. Scientology claims to give you the "tools" to achieve these goals. The "tone scale" the "ARC triangle" for example. Sounds tempting, who doesn't want to be a happier better person and be able to deal with relationships better. Especially if you are facing tough times. I think there are other ways to get there without getting sucked into the wacky religious zealotry.
They have a foundation based in Glendale California called The Way to Happiness. They print a booklet called "The Way to Happiness" (obviously) which they say is non-religious moral code based on common sense. If you need this, then you don't have common sense. This booklet is rife with groundbreaking common sense advice such as "take care of yourself", "do not murder", "do not steal", "love and help children", "safeguard and improve your environment", etc. Have we gone down so far that we need a book to tell us how to behave properly. Maybe we have. Scary.
Curiously though, I found the video completely lacking in explaining the origins and other beliefs held by it's members. Nary a mention of past lives, thetans, or Xenu the alien ruler of the Galactic Confederacy. I wonder why?
Bottom line is that I still think Scientology as a personal religion isn't good for much more than separating you from your money and people should approach it with caution. If your life sucks, look into other ways of fixing it. If their worldwide campaigns to bring awareness to human rights, drug use and literacy are truly doing what they say then I hope they continue, but as an aid organization, not a religion.
The Scientologists have now found him again. A few months ago a member of the church called us and asked Ken if he was still interested in the teachings. I found that odd since his mom sued them for the money they took from her, but I guess that may not be common knowledge in their files. Ken told them he wasn't interested and hoped that would be it. Shortly thereafter however, we got a package in the mail with some literature and a DVD. I have watched the lengthy DVD in it's entirety to get an idea of what the Scientologists claim they are all about.
The whole video is an advertisement of the good they do in the world. Only a small fraction was devoted to their creed, beliefs and practices. If what they claim is to be believed (a DVD made about The Church of Scientology BY the Church of Scientology is going to be very skewed to the positive) then it seems that they are a doing a whole lot of good for mankind. I applaud their efforts on the human rights front, anti-drug campaign and literacy. All of which are said to be secular and global efforts which appear to be very worthwhile and making a difference . Of course, many other organizations are tackling these issues as well. But like I said, that's if the propaganda of the video is to be believed.
The main theme of Scientology though just seems to be self-help. How to be happy, more fulfilled, handle your emotions and those of others, and just to be a better person. Scientology claims to give you the "tools" to achieve these goals. The "tone scale" the "ARC triangle" for example. Sounds tempting, who doesn't want to be a happier better person and be able to deal with relationships better. Especially if you are facing tough times. I think there are other ways to get there without getting sucked into the wacky religious zealotry.
They have a foundation based in Glendale California called The Way to Happiness. They print a booklet called "The Way to Happiness" (obviously) which they say is non-religious moral code based on common sense. If you need this, then you don't have common sense. This booklet is rife with groundbreaking common sense advice such as "take care of yourself", "do not murder", "do not steal", "love and help children", "safeguard and improve your environment", etc. Have we gone down so far that we need a book to tell us how to behave properly. Maybe we have. Scary.
Curiously though, I found the video completely lacking in explaining the origins and other beliefs held by it's members. Nary a mention of past lives, thetans, or Xenu the alien ruler of the Galactic Confederacy. I wonder why?
Bottom line is that I still think Scientology as a personal religion isn't good for much more than separating you from your money and people should approach it with caution. If your life sucks, look into other ways of fixing it. If their worldwide campaigns to bring awareness to human rights, drug use and literacy are truly doing what they say then I hope they continue, but as an aid organization, not a religion.
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