Katie Holmes embracing Scientology

[TravisM]

Will it never end?

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/06/13/people.holmes.ap/index.html

[Musashi]

Booo.

[Kristophe]

Wow. Just wow. Something in my brain just clicked, and that girl became incredibly unattractive.

[frogesque]

Cynical I know but I wonder how long this will last. :roll:

[Maksutov]

What the two of them need:

http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/boese/g045.gif

Is it true the reason Ron used the word "thetan" was he couldn't make it to the end of the alphabet? 8-[

[Andromeda321]

Someone do me a favor and explain to me just what Scientology believes again? I seriously have issues keeping cultlike religions apart. :-?

[N C More]

If Miss Holmes were wise she would take a look at the manner in which Mr. Cruise has treated his ex-wives. However, I think she will convert to scientology and then soon after marry him...all of which leaves me wondering how old Mr. Cruise's next wife (after Miss Holmes) will be?

[01101001]

The other day I read a fun Wikipedia article about Scientology doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenu).

This is what Katie Holmes will learn, if she lasts long enough, and can afford the steep price (I'm sure that's no problem for her). Lucky you can learn it for free, in 2 minutes.

The DC-8 space-plane illustration, alone, is worth the click.

[Russ]

According to an item I read in the papper a few days back, she's worth $20 million. I guess if you're rich enough, it doesn't matter who you marry or what you believe in as your religion.



PS - How come there's no shrug in the handy little emoticon library?

[Swift]

PS - How come there's no shrug in the handy little emoticon library?

I would answer with the {shrug} emoticon, but there isn't one :-s
:lol:

[Maksutov]

Teegeeack? Isn't that a small town just outside Hackensack, NJ? Or maybe I'm thinking of Teaneck... http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/konfus/a015.gif

Well, Andromeda321, after reading that, are you ready to sign up? I mean, it's all so logical and obviously real! http://www.cosgan.de/images/smilie/konfus/a050.gif

[Andromeda321]

I dunno, I was reading it over and was thinking "this is stupid" over and over: not even GOOD science fiction! That and I can't really imagine anyone saying after learning about that "well you know what? THIS is the answer I was looking for that explains my purpose in life and why we're here!!!" :roll:

Perhaps I'm just not as enlightened as Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. :wink:

[jnik]

"Listen, the thing you've got to know about Katie is that she's an incredibly bright and self-determined woman. She makes her own decisions."
She seems to be demonstrating otherwise. *sigh*

[Humphrey]

The other day I read a fun Wikipedia article about Scientology doctrine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenu).

This is what Katie Holmes will learn, if she lasts long enough, and can afford the steep price (I'm sure that's no problem for her). Lucky you can learn it for free, in 2 minutes.

The DC-8 space-plane illustration, alone, is worth the click.

Seriously? Scientologists seriously believ all of that?
I mean a DC-8 spacecraft? Hydrogen bombs blowing up volcanoes, 178 billion people per planet?

[To all scientologist here, if the above wikipedia article is true, you seriously belive that? Can you explain it to us if its not true?]

You know if you send me 10% of your fortune right now ill enlighten you into the magical world of G'Topianism. With G'Topianism we will give you lists of special institutions devoted to healing to go to cure wounds and ailments. We can enlighten you to the mysteries of the VCR. WE can even Make it so you never have to worry about Rampaging elephants in your neighborhood.

Believe in or Lord: humphrey. He has traveled aqcross the stars on his Trycicle of utter Doom. He has taken invertebrates from all over the univers, and from Kansas, placed them inside the bathtub of Cleopatra, and used seltzer to congeal the human population we know today.

If you buy ito our religion with only 20% of your personal fortune, we will let you in on the deepest, darkest secret to the origins of the univers and how to guarantee yourself a space in a underground place of eternal rest.

[Lycus]

By the time Scientologists learn the Xenu story, they already have so much of there life and money invested in the religion that they either have to convince themselves to believe it or face the shame that comes with realizing how much they've wasted.

[Candy]

I dabbled in L. Ron Hubbard before. Really, has no one else? 8-[

[Humphrey]

I dabbled in L. Ron Hubbard before. Really, has no one else? 8-[

I saw that horrible battlefield earth.
I still think that i have a kink in my neck from trying to look at the screen.

[Humphrey]

Seriously, Is Scientoilogy considered a religion by its members, or is it more of a fun secret society where they make up everything they see fit and call it doctrine?

Im just wondering becuase reading the wikipedia, it sounds like they are just having fun and making a attempt at satire of many world religions and their beliefs.

[Candy]

I dabbled in L. Ron Hubbard before. Really, has no one else? 8-[

I saw that horrible battlefield earth.
I still think that i have a kink in my neck from trying to look at the screen.
His books aren't anything like what is told to us via stardom.

[Gillianren]

Seriously, Is Scientoilogy considered a religion by its members, or is it more of a fun secret society where they make up everything they see fit and call it doctrine?

Im just wondering becuase reading the wikipedia, it sounds like they are just having fun and making a attempt at satire of many world religions and their beliefs.

it is my understanding (note: standard disclaimer that I can't remember where I read it and I could be wrong) that the religion started as a bet among Hubbard, Asimov, et al to see who could start a religion. and Hubbard won, but by then, not unlike Lovecraft's fictional-but-believed-not-to-be Necronomicon, it had gotten away from him.

[Gullible Jones]

Seriously, Is Scientoilogy considered a religion by its members, or is it more of a fun secret society where they make up everything they see fit and call it doctrine?


Yes, its members consider it a religion, and really believe in it. Of course, it's really a scam of incredibly massive proportions... So once they find out the most ridiculous stuff, they'll have lost a heck of a lot of money - usually several hundred thousand dollars.

Also, it's rather hard to get out of the Church of Scientology, unless you'll keep your mouth shut about all the money you lost. The CoS has been known to harrass former members who talk out about the Church's fraudulent nature.

[Lycus]

it is my understanding (note: standard disclaimer that I can't remember where I read it and I could be wrong) that the religion started as a bet among Hubbard, Asimov, et al to see who could start a religion. and Hubbard won, but by then, not unlike Lovecraft's fictional-but-believed-not-to-be Necronomicon, it had gotten away from him.
That story has also been told with many other science fiction writers' names in place of Asimov (Heinlein, Ellison, etc.), so it's probably an urban legend.

[Candy]

It must have started after his death, because the two books I've read are totally not HOLLYWOOD.

[Candy]

It must have started after his death, because the two books I've read are totally not HOLLYWOOD.
And if you read his books, it's not a religion. :-?

[Lycus]

And if you read his books, it's not a religion. :-?
Which books are you talking about? His scif-fi books are just sci-fi, but the religion is based on Dianetics.

[SciFi Chick]

It's possible Katie is just making a career move.

[tbm]

Greetings!

A) I would like to embrace Katie Holmes myself!

B) Scientology seems to have a way of swaying those with more money
than brains!

Regards, tbm

[Candy]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

[Candy]

And if you read his books, it's not a religion. :-?
Which books are you talking about? His scif-fi books are just sci-fi, but the religion is based on Dianetics.
Darn it. I've only read Dianetics and Scientology.

I'm having trouble posting.

[SciFi Chick]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

What are you talking about?

[Candy]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

What are you talking about?
Have you read the book(s)?

[Musashi]

it is my understanding (note: standard disclaimer that I can't remember where I read it and I could be wrong) that the religion started as a bet among Hubbard, Asimov, et al to see who could start a religion. and Hubbard won, but by then, not unlike Lovecraft's fictional-but-believed-not-to-be Necronomicon, it had gotten away from him.
That story has also been told with many other science fiction writers' names in place of Asimov (Heinlein, Ellison, etc.), so it's probably an urban legend.

I heard it with the publisher, Campbell in place of any of the writer's names. If I recall correctly, I read it either in an Asimov piece or a Heinlein piece. I will try and dig it up. However, even if the conversation took place, that doesn't mean L Ron was trying to win the bet by creating his religion, it could be coincidental.

[SciFi Chick]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

What are you talking about?
Have you read the book(s)?

I'm not asking about the books. I'm asking what you're talking about regarding what his children have supposedly done to his legacy.

I don't know how many children he had, but his son is virulently opposed to Scientology.

[Candy]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

What are you talking about?
Have you read the book(s)?

I'm not asking about the books. I'm asking what you're talking about regarding what his children have supposedly done to his legacy.

I don't know how many children he had, but his son is virulently opposed to Scientology.
As far as I know, his children have spread the word of "scientology". It didn't happen by accident. This happened some 20 years ago. :o

[Candy]

Great! L. Ron Hubbard died before my time. His books were instrumental to me. He was not a god. Repeat, he was not a god.

[SciFi Chick]

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy. 8-[

What are you talking about?
Have you read the book(s)?

I'm not asking about the books. I'm asking what you're talking about regarding what his children have supposedly done to his legacy.

I don't know how many children he had, but his son is virulently opposed to Scientology.
As far as I know, his children have spread the word of "scientology". It didn't happen by accident. This happened some 20 years ago. :o

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".

[Candy]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

[SciFi Chick]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

I have looked at Dianetics. What is your point?

[Candy]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

I have looked at Dianetics. What is your point?
You haven't looked at anything, otherwise, you wouldn't care. Trust me. :D

[Kristophe]

Personally, I heard that LRH was on a radio show where the interviewer asked him if he only wrote for hte money. He replied "If I wanted to be rich, I'd start my own religion." Three years later, Scientology was born.

And Candy, I have read one of his books. I want those hours of my life back.

[Candy]

I'm sleepy. Is she coming back?

[SciFi Chick]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

I have looked at Dianetics. What is your point?
You haven't looked at anything, otherwise, you wouldn't care. Trust me. :D

I see. So, you can't support your position, and would prefer to call me a liar. I do not trust you.

[Candy]

Personally, I heard that LRH was on a radio show where the interviewer asked him if he only wrote for hte money. He replied "If I wanted to be rich, I'd start my own religion." Three years later, Scientology was born.

And Candy, I have read one of his books. I want those hours of my life back.
His books are simple non-sense.

[Candy]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

I have looked at Dianetics. What is your point?
You haven't looked at anything, otherwise, you wouldn't care. Trust me. :D

I see. So, you can't support your position, and would prefer to call me a liar. I do not trust you.
Does that mean you've read the two books or not?

[Kristophe]

Personally, I heard that LRH was on a radio show where the interviewer asked him if he only wrote for hte money. He replied "If I wanted to be rich, I'd start my own religion." Three years later, Scientology was born.

And Candy, I have read one of his books. I want those hours of my life back.
His books are simple non-sense.

You have that right. Now, show me that LRH felt the same way.

[SciFi Chick]

You're mistaken. It is well documented that L. Ron Hubbard was a con artist and did what he did for money. He intentionally started a religion. He intended for it to be a religion. His kids had nothing to do with it, and have not ruined his "legacy".
You haven't read his books, have you? :lol:

I have looked at Dianetics. What is your point?
You haven't looked at anything, otherwise, you wouldn't care. Trust me. :D

I see. So, you can't support your position, and would prefer to call me a liar. I do not trust you.
Does that mean you've read the two books or not?

I never said that I read both of the books. I said that I read part of Dianetics. Then you reponded that I had not looked at anything.

You made a claim. I am asking that you back it up. It should not be necessary for me to read two books in order to establish the veracity of your claim.

But I do not expect you to support your position. I expect you to keep making quips, attempt to derail the thread, start flirting with any men who wander in here, and finish up with wondering whether or not people hate you. Do feel free to prove me wrong.

[Candy]

I never said that I read both of the books. I said that I read part of Dianetics. Then you reponded that I had not looked at anything.

You made a claim. I am asking that you back it up. It should not be necessary for me to read two books in order to establish the veracity of your claim.

But I do not expect you to support your position. I expect you to keep making quips, attempt to derail the thread, start flirting with any men who wander in here, and finish up with wondering whether or not people hate you. Do feel free to prove me wrong.
So the fact that I've read both non-religious books, I'm an expert. The fact that you read none makes you an expert. :-?

[SciFi Chick]

I never said that I read both of the books. I said that I read part of Dianetics. Then you reponded that I had not looked at anything.

You made a claim. I am asking that you back it up. It should not be necessary for me to read two books in order to establish the veracity of your claim.

But I do not expect you to support your position. I expect you to keep making quips, attempt to derail the thread, start flirting with any men who wander in here, and finish up with wondering whether or not people hate you. Do feel free to prove me wrong.
So the fact that I've read both non-religious books, I'm an expert. The fact that you read none makes you an expert. :-?

That is not what I said, but congratulations on deflection number 1. I will ask you again to support your claim that L. Ron Hubbard's legacy is being destroyed by his children, and that it was not his intention to start a religion.

If you cannot do so, feel free to retract the statement. Telling me to read two books by a con artist who started a cult for money is not proof of your claim.

[Kristophe]

SciFi Chick isn't claiming to be an expert. You're claiming that LRH has been a victim of history, and she's asking you to support that claim instead of demanding to know her "credentials" for asking you to do so.

[Candy]

[expert. :-?

I'm sorry for deflecting, have you read the books? Seriously, you may think differntly.

[Candy]

SciFi Chick isn't claiming to be an expert. You're claiming that LRH has been a victim of history, and she's asking you to support that claim instead of demanding to know her "credentials" for asking you to do so.
I'm just asking a simple question. HAS SHE READ THE BOOKS? She keeps diverting that question.

[N C More]

Well, just to throw in my 2 cents worth, I read all of "Dianetics" and thought it was complete nonsense. Then, again perhaps I'm jaded by my advanced age or something (but I really don't think so!).

[Andromeda321]

I'm just asking a simple question. HAS SHE READ THE BOOKS? She keeps diverting that question.
I said that I read part of Dianetics.
Mystery solved.

[Candy]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?

[Donnie B.]

Looking for volunteers to deprogram Katie Holmes...

[raises hand]

[SciFi Chick]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?

Is that a rhetorical question? I'm arguing what I know, which is that L. Ron Hubbard intentionally started a religion, and his children have not ruined his legacy. I have answered your questions, but you are refusing to answer mine. You are however starting to handwave.

I imagine any moment you will claim lots of lurkers agree with you but are "afraid to post" in this thread.

[Archer17]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?What's your excuse? You made some claims and did the jig.

[R.A.F.]

Just stepping in for a moment, as it looks like this thread is going to get real ugly, real quick...

Besides Tom Cruise's winning smile and his ability to "draw em in" at the box office, has he shown any evidence of aquiring super powers???

Because that's the "bottom line" here folks. That is what scientology preaches. That once you have reached the level of "clear", you will become superhuman with all the powers associated with the superhuman "idea". And no, I'm not making that up...that's what they believe. (though they tend not to talk about that aspect of it a lot.)

There's really nothing to discuss here...scientology is a made up religion...it is also the worse kind of BUNK, as all they're looking for is your MONEY.

nuf said...

[Lycus]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?
There's a lot more about Hubbard out there that's not within the pages of Dianetics.

[Candy]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?

Is that a rhetorical question? I'm arguing what I know, which is that L. Ron Hubbard intentionally started a religion, and his children have not ruined his legacy. I have answered your questions, but you are refusing to answer mine. You are however starting to handwave.

I imagine any moment you will claim lots of lurkers agree with you but are "afraid to post" in this thread.
SAME OLD
SAME OLD

YOU'RE RETIRED!

[Kristophe]

SciFi Chick isn't claiming to be an expert. You're claiming that LRH has been a victim of history, and she's asking you to support that claim instead of demanding to know her "credentials" for asking you to do so.
I'm just asking a simple question. HAS SHE READ THE BOOKS? She keeps diverting that question.

I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy.
What are you talking about?
Have you read the book(s)?

Hrmm. No, looks like you're the one that's dodged the question.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Just stepping in for a moment, as it looks like this thread is going to get real ugly, real quick...

I agree with R.A.F. here. Take a step back, take a breath, come back later, whatever it takes. Cool down a bit, you won't regret it.

[SciFi Chick]

HOW CAN YOU ARGUE SOMETHING YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT?

Is that a rhetorical question? I'm arguing what I know, which is that L. Ron Hubbard intentionally started a religion, and his children have not ruined his legacy. I have answered your questions, but you are refusing to answer mine. You are however starting to handwave.

I imagine any moment you will claim lots of lurkers agree with you but are "afraid to post" in this thread.
SAME OLD
SAME OLD

YOU'RE RETIRED!

Does this mean you aren't going to support your position?

[Candy]

What position?

[SciFi Chick]

Just stepping in for a moment, as it looks like this thread is going to get real ugly, real quick...

Besides Tom Cruise's winning smile and his ability to "draw em in" at the box office, has he shown any evidence of aquiring super powers???



I don't know that he's become superhuman, but he certainly angered Brooke Shields when he cavalierly commented in an interview that she should ignore medical advice and stop taking anti-depressants.

[SciFi Chick]

What position?

This one: And if you read his books, it's not a religion.

And this one: I think it is a shame what Hubbard's children have done to his legacy.

[N C More]

Here's (http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Fishman/time-behar.html?FACTNet) an interesting article from Time Magazine about Scientology.

[SciFi Chick]

Here's (http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Fishman/time-behar.html?FACTNet) an interesting article from Time Magazine about Scientology.

Ah yes. I remember reading that article when it first came out. I think that may be when I first really heard of Scientology.

[R.A.F.]

Operation Clambake (http://www.xenu.net/) provides LOTS of info about Hubbard and scientology.

[Archer17]

I read Dianetics too... just was waiting to see if Candy qualified her statements. The book was rubbish and I'm surprised some people buy into it. Scientology is a religion IMO - actually the term I prefer to use is cult.

[Candy]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.

[Kristophe]

I love Operation Clambake. I can't say they're an impartial voice in it all, but the enthusiasm with which it presents its case has always amused and entertained me. And the case that it presents has always frightened and sickened me.

[SciFi Chick]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.

I believe that's an ad hominem. I could be mistaken of course.

[Archer17]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.She just asked you to support your position Candy. You shouldn't post claims if you are unwilling to back them up.

[Candy]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.

I believe that's an ad hominem. I could be mistaken of course.
Hasn't this been what you wanted all along? BANN ME!

You are truly EVIL.

[SciFi Chick]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.

I believe that's an ad hominem. I could be mistaken of course.
Hasn't this been what you wanted all along? BANN ME!

You are truly EVIL.

What I want is to discuss your claims regarding Scientology.

[Candy]

Ok. I'll suck it up for now.

But Scifi is way out of line with her accusations.

She's a nut.

I believe that's an ad hominem. I could be mistaken of course.
Hasn't this been what you wanted all along? BANN ME!

You are truly EVIL.

What I want is to discuss your claims regarding Scientology.What claim, it's scientology, not rocket science?

[01101001]

BANN ME!

You are truly EVIL.

This can't have a happy ending.

Please stop. All.

[Candy]

It's not real!

[R.A.F.]

I can't help but be reminded of the movie Airplane.

Scientologyyyyyyyy :lol:

[SciFi Chick]

I can't help but be reminded of the movie Airplane.

Scientologyyyyyyyy :lol:

I LOVE that movie. :lol: I've loved that movie for twenty years. I need to get that movie on dvd. :D

[N C More]

This is silly...Nobody should be banned over sometimes feeling like a nut! (http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/almondjoy.asp) Really, it's not worth it people...Ok? :D

[The Supreme Canuck]

Yeah, come on guys. Don't do this to yourselves. Calm down.

[Candy]

I'm so mad right now, that the tears are in my eyes.

IN FRONT OF MY MOM, TOO.

THIS MAKES ME REALLY UPSET.

[SciFi Chick]

I'm not upset, but I do see why religion isn't allowed on this board. *sigh*

[Candy]

My MOM is watching right now. She just asked me, "what is the matter?"

[Musashi]

This is very weird. Maybe surreal is the word.

[Candy]

BYE BABB!

BANN ME FOR CALLING STUPID, STUPID!

BUT STUPID IS WHAT STUPID IS!

[Lycus]

This is very weird. Maybe surreal is the word.
There's been a few times where I typed up another response, then decided against hitting Submit due to not being entirely sure of what the heck was exactly happening. #-o

[Musashi]

Candy, you need to calm down. And stop calling people names.

[Candy]

Candy, you need to calm down. And stop calling people names.
ME? Read the books.They are dumb books. They say nothing but inspirational stuff. I was Scientology before Hollywood.

[Candy]

And IF anyone reads L. Ron Hubbard...
let me know...

[Musashi]

I think the problem is that your posts seemed to be alluding to something and never actually got around to saying what the something was. And then, when someone asked you to clarify, you got very upset for some reason.

I have read parts of Dianetics, but not in a long time. It did seem to me to be a rather stupid book. I have also lightly investigated Scientology, which seems to me to be a rather silly fantasy.

[Melusine]

Hmm, the above exchange is interesting for the record.

Here's a thorough link about Scientology, as well: http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/dianetics.html?FACTNet

Back in 1995 a friend in California sent me Dianetics, I don't know why, but he and his wife are always getting into one thing or another, are very opposed to anti-depressants, had all the mercury removed from their teeth, etc. I still like him though, and just wait for the next phase.

I tried reading several chapters out of respect for my friend mailing it to me (I was going through a bad spot, maybe he thought it would help), but found the book to go on and on about agents, thetans, different levels--before it really got into what scientology was really about. It reminded me of the Landmark Forum I had to go to--they spent two days telling us what they would do for us and how we should tell two friends and so on, before even coming close to explaining what it was about. After putting you through some emotional, past-digging bs, you were essentially being "broken down." The book seemed to be going nowhere fast, and I chucked it. Way too much structure, and even some real racist ideas.

Anyway, it all sounded so woo-woo, complicated and hardly what I needed. Then I read an article, not the Time one, by an ex-scientologist in Vanity Fair or Esquire. There were so many financial issues--money being used from its non-profit status to fund Tom Cruise's vacations, an ex-Silicon guy who cheated his investors because he was direct by Hubbard, suits against the Est guy...there's tons of stuff. Then his son testified in court against him, and that testimony reads like a salacious paperback. Hubbard was a charlatan, plain and simple, and bilked money out of people. There's a huge list of stars associated with Scientology over the years--many dropped out, including Demi Moore. John Travolta says it helps him, and that it helped revive his career. Well, both he and Cruise had been successful prior to their involvement with Scientology...I don't know, people can believe what they want, but Scientology is a cult, works like a cult, and bilks money out of people. It's creepy, besides being unethical, as well. [-(

Edit typo

[The Bad Astronomer]

I can't believe this. I simply can't, but how can I deny the evidence?

What is wrong with you people? How can you let a simple misunderstanding blossom into this?

The way I see it, SciFiChick and Candy had crossed wires: Candy simply thinks that anyone who has read Hubbard's books would understand the situation, while SciFiChick thinks that they are irrelevant to the discussion.

This is a simple misunderstanding, but was magnified hugely out of proportion by previously established emotions. This whole thing could have been avoided by either one of you making the point more clearly and more simply, as I just did. Instead, you picked at each other until both crossed the line.

SciFiChick, I would love to know what you were thinking when you posted this (http://www.badastronomy.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=486751#486751):

But I do not expect you to support your position. I expect you to keep making quips, attempt to derail the thread, start flirting with any men who wander in here, and finish up with wondering whether or not people hate you. Do feel free to prove me wrong.

Whether that is Candy's MO or not, you are way out of line for that.

And Candy, by the end of Page 2 several people had made it clear that you needed to back up your claim. Instead, you just keep telling people to "read the books". As an aside, IMO, that's irrelevant, as what SciFiChick says is quite right: Hubbard was wrong, and Scientology is a cult. Links have been provided to back that up, and I have met a man who was in the upper levels of Scientology and got out. His story matches what I have read on those links, like at Clambake.

But that's an aside. What's got me good and angry (and I really, really don't like to get this angry) is the behavior of two people who between them have more than 12,000 posts. You should know better.

I don't have the time or energy right now to make coherent decisions about this. I have personal things to attend to, and I don't feel like spending the next two hours wrestling over whether I should ban you both. Having read through this thread, that's the way things are looking.

But I'm going to eat dinner, play with my cat, and maybe just not think about this board for an hour of my life. Then I'll come back and see what's what.