Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

    Actually, I know little more than what you've stated.  L. Ron
    Hubbard is a writer of science fiction novels.  From what I do know
    of it, Scientology is an eclectic synthesization of Eastern and Western
    thought and its adherent must pay fees, some of which are considered
    quite exorbitant, for taking various classes offered.
    
    It is my understanding that the U.S. Supreme Court failed to recognize
    Scientology as a church and has revoked the organization's tax exempt
    status.

    Richard

    It is my understanding that Hubbard 'invented' scientology, as
    a way of proving how gullible the public is and for enriching
    his personal 'coffers'
    
    Bonnie

    I spent three years in the New-Ageish quasi-religious cult of
    Scientology in the late '70s. Everything seemed wonderful until I
    left my job and joined their staff. Then the hell began; conformity
    was absolutely essential and nothing could be questioned. Anything
    that deviated from this was considered virtually an act of treason.
    Those that showed tendencies to free thought or have differences of
    opinions were held under suspicion and under a microscope of scrutiny.
    There was a climate of paranoia and there always seemed to be one
    person under the gun at all times.
    
    When the pressure became extreme, the suspected staff member would
    either be sent to a 'confessional' or to a rougher session with an
    "Ethics Officer'.
    
    I went through all this once I showed signs of recognizing that the
    'emperor had no clothes'. I confessed to things I had not done and
    left totally broken, unable to trust myself (thinking myself evil
    and harmful to everyone in my life), alone (my boyfriend and friends
    were all threatened with the same fate if they maintained contact with
    me), and very very very poor.
    
    My story ends in the best way; with my whole Self in shambles, I
    finally gave myself to Jesus and with him as my new Cornerstone,
    I have been rebuilt in Christ.

    My advice is to stay away from it!!!
    
    Peace,
    
    Mary
    
    

    Time magazine has a cover article on Scientology this week.
    
    BJ

    re: .4
    
        There are such things as Christian Cults that use the same tactics;
    these groups generally have very little in common with Gospel teachings
    and are centered more on a single charismatic leader who gathers a 
    group of people as Christians but then do not lead them as such. Even
    Christian groups need to be discerned by their fruits amongs other 
    criteria. "By their fruits you shall know them."...Jesus.
    
    re: .5
    
        I read the TIME article last night after entering my note; it is
    very accurate. I feel I could write a book myself on the subject.
    
    Mary
    

    Re: .6
    
    Thank you, Mary.
    
    In my "Sociology of Religion" class we discussed cults and what
    factors contribute to people both joining and leaving cults.
    
    I've started a new note, 226.x, on the general topic of cults.
    
    Peace,
    Richard