Scientology
Saturday 9th September
Well, that was absolutely fascinating. There’s a series on Channel 4 TV at the moment called “The Beginners’ Guide To …” with the name completed with various religions. Today, on Sarah’s recommendation, I watched the L Ron Hubbard program. As you’re probably aware, L Ron Hubbard is the founder of the most bizarre, cultish, dangerous and outright stupid religion ever invented. Or is he? Read on…
The presenter, Hardeep Singh Kohli, made an excellent job of taking us through the initial stages of a follower. He made a point, straight away, of separating the Church of $cientology from the philosophy of Scientology - an important distinction.
The most interesting thing about the program was that it all made sense. It only very briefly touched on the alien mythos associated with the beliefs - but made the fair point that if we accept angels and demons, then surely aliens are actually a more likely proposition. The brainwashing allegations were covered quite well - the philosophy lies somewhere between counselling and confession and aims to clear out mental baggage, and provide tools for effective communication. The training required to succesfully run a counselling session (called an ‘audit’) requires the ability to ask a question and not be swayed by any avoidance tactics from the interviewee. It’s this mental control which could appear like brainwashing - but it appears to be a case of the scientologist being in control of their own mind and emotions.
If you’re even half interested and get to catch a repeat, I’d recommend it. I’m not off to sign-up right now, but as the program pointed out - ‘Scientology’ is a very dirty word in much of the western world and needn’t be.
Truly illuminating. Top marks to Channel 4, and Mr. Kohli.
Yup. It was a very interesting program. Worth viewing for anyone who can put their preconceived ideas out of the way for an hour or so.
sarah
9 Sep 06 at 2:49 pm
*Hides
lordhutton
9 Sep 06 at 8:51 pm
Is it really a religion? Is there a daiety or godhead figure?
Max
9 Sep 06 at 10:15 pm
Let’s look at the definition of religion:
1.1 Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.
1.2 A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2 The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3 A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4 A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
So, in meanings 3 and 4, no deity is required, so therefore I suggest that yes, it _is_ a religion.
stu
10 Sep 06 at 2:26 am
Did it mention Tom Cruise at any point? Or is he a member of $cientology and not Scientology?
Code Monkey
11 Sep 06 at 2:29 pm
Only in as much as “Why would so many people publicly state their affiliation if it was a whole heap of toss?”
It was interesting recalling Mr. Cruise’s reaction to being squirted with water after watching the program. He used the mental control learnt during audition training to speak to the prankster…
“Why would you do that?”
“Er…”
“Why would you do that?”
“[can't remember what prankster said]”
“Why would you do that?”
…
A useful tool for not losing one’s cool.
stu
11 Sep 06 at 2:42 pm
I much prefer John Prescott’s reply (I don’t condone violence but the egg guy deserved it!)
Code Monkey
12 Sep 06 at 9:58 am
I don’t. I think he (Prescott) seriously let himself down with his reaction.
stu
12 Sep 06 at 10:41 am