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Scientology Spokesman Gives Non-Answers on CNN

Posted by Tony Ortega at 12:40 PM, May 8, 2008


Watch the full CNN interview here.

CNN’s John Roberts this morning, trying to get a typically squirrelly Scientology spokesman, Tommy Davis, to answer some basic questions about L. Ron Hubbard’s outfit...

Roberts: “There are some people, and one of them is a correspondent for the Village Voice, who says the basic tenet of the Church of Scientology is to rid the body of space-alien parasites, to clear oneself.”

Davis: “Well, John, does that sound silly to you? I mean it’s unrecognizable to me.”

The shout-out from CNN makes us feel warm and fuzzy (even if he’s talking about the ed-in-chief and not a “correspondent”), and we’ll also point out that the space-alien nature of Hubbard’s wacky upper-level “OT” materials isn’t something that just a few of us “say” is the case. It’s been documented again and again over decades of court cases against Scientology. And every high-level Scientologist who “blows” (leaves) has the same exact story to tell. We’ve talked to dozens of them over the years. This is actually one of the better-documented facts about Scientology, that it charges outrageous amounts — up to $1,000 an hour — to have space-alien souls removed from high-level members.

It’s also a grand tradition, among Scientology spokespeople, to act bewildered when they’re facing a camera and they’re asked about Xenu and space-alien thetans. Tommy Davis is just doing what other mouthpieces have said in the past. We seem to remember practically the same routine on an MTV program years ago — “Xenu? Never heard of him.”

But Davis gives the game away when Roberts asks him to give a basic description of what Scientologists do believe, and Davis can’t do it. Maybe because this doesn’t play well on national TV:

Superhuman powers! The ability to leave your body! To shape space and time with your mind! To be impervious to disease and live forever! And all for only a mere $100,000 in cash, several years of your life, separation from your family and friends, and complete dedication to a dead pulp-fiction writer who dreamed up a religion starring disembodied alien souls being carried through the galaxy on spacecraft shaped like DC-3s! Join today!

more: Scientology

comments

Well said. Keep up the good work.
Tommy Speaks in clauses and cryptic happy joy family love.

He looks like he's been drugged compared to the infamous BBC video. no?

Posted by: G at May 8, 2008 1:07 PM

Right on, Tony :-)

Keep chip, chip, chipping away. There are a lot more hammers tapping at their walls these days.

Posted by: David Mudkips at May 8, 2008 1:12 PM

Epic! Just epic!

I've noticed this for years now. I can't believe how few people actually try and call them on this.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 8, 2008 1:16 PM

I find it hard to believe, but I actually found myself feeling sorry for Tommy when I saw that. Obviously his beloved church has hung him out to dry.

Rumor has it that he as spent several years on the RPF (Rehabilitation Project Force--go ahead everyone, google it. Its as bad as it sounds) after the BBC John Sweeney debacle.

I genuinely hope that he doesn't get sent back after this.

Amazing that his mother, the actress Anne Archer puts up with allowing her "church" to treat her son in such a manner.

Posted by: anonydog at May 8, 2008 1:20 PM

Scientology lies. Again. Like so many times before. No policy of disconnection? No clearing alien souls? (shoulda called them "body thetans" to be clear)

Just lies. Over and over. Now told not-so-convincingly by a sleazy-looking guy with a wonky tie who appears to have not slept in a week or more, on (inter)national TV news.

BTW: the spacecraft that Hubbard alleged were shaped like DC-8s, not DC-3, and had rockets, not propellers. (Side note: DC-8s didn't have propellers either, they're jet-powered)

Posted by: imanonymous at May 8, 2008 1:22 PM

Don't forget your receipt!

http://www.whyileftscientology.com/pix/12000dollars.jpg

After all, you might want to keep those for a refund after you blow... a shame Scientology doesn'T give refunds. After all, it's not a business! oolol

Posted by: Anoynymause at May 8, 2008 1:24 PM

Mr. Ortega, you are spreading blatant falsehoods about Scientology. It was DC-8s, not DC-3s.

Posted by: Ghost of Hubbard at May 8, 2008 1:26 PM

win win win

Posted by: nala at May 8, 2008 1:26 PM

Thanks for your diligence.

Posted by: FIshman Affadavey at May 8, 2008 1:30 PM

It's wrong that people spend years improving themselves clearing "engrams" (which do at least sound somewhat reasonable to the unscientifically minded) only to discover $300,000 down the line, that what they've really been "clearing" all along are the souls of dead aliens, and that there's another $300,000 worth still to "clear".

Screwed up.

Posted by: Paul at May 8, 2008 1:32 PM

Was it just me, or did Tommy Davis look completely out of his element there? Not only that, but he seems to have lost all of that self-confidence he had when trying to bull-bait John Sweeney. What happened to him? Perhaps the rumors of him being sent off to the RPF were true. Poor guy looked like he hadn't slept for a week!

Posted by: AuroraGB at May 8, 2008 1:33 PM

Your all ze terrorist!

I am fail for da PR!!

Posted by: Captain Footbullet at May 8, 2008 1:44 PM

"Rumor has it that he as spent several years on the RPF"

Several months.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 8, 2008 1:45 PM

Mr Ortega thank you for trying to help expose $cientology. There are countless victims (ex-members) like myself that cheer anytime someone from the media has the courage to take them on and tell the Truth. They are trained to lie, lie, lie to protect the cult.

Posted by: Mewba at May 8, 2008 2:13 PM

Please!! This guy was obviously lying through his teeth!! There ARE policies on disconnection and it DOES and IS happening in the church of $cientology! Please interview Jenna Miscavage and Jason Beghe on CNN!!!

Posted by: Sandy at May 8, 2008 2:20 PM

Someone has already corrected you about the DC8 thing, but he also made a mistake. They're rocket-powered, not jet powered. Jesus people, these are important facts.

Posted by: David at May 8, 2008 2:27 PM

Something looks seriously wrong with that Tommy Davis fellow. He was talking like an extremely nervous salesman, and he looked like he had been beaten up recently. And he couldn't say what Scientology was about - how can he not be able to say it? He's the spokesperson!

Something isn't right.

Posted by: Robin Gray at May 8, 2008 2:27 PM

OMG WHAT IS TEH TIMEZ?????

oh nooooo not another severely downstat thursday!?!!?!

bawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!

hey - maybe dave doesn't watch cnn???

LOL

tommy is such a tool.

happy thursday - no caek for weaklings!

- all our love
anonymous

p.s.

expect us

Posted by: anonymous at May 8, 2008 2:29 PM

http://www.gerryarmstrong.org/50grand/legal/wollersheim/opinion-1989-07-18.html

I seriously don't get why they deny disconnection when they argued before the California Supreme Court AND the Court of Appeals that disconnection is a religious practice protected by the Constitution! (They lost.)
In their judgment, the court said:
"At another stage Scientology auditors convinced him to "disconnect" from his wife and his parents and other family members because they had expressed concerns about Scientology and Wollersheim's continued membership. "Disconnect" meant he was no longer to have any contact with his family."
"Wollersheim was compelled to abandon his wife and his family through the policy of disconnect."
"Freedom of belief is absolutely guaranteed, freedom of action is not."
"...substantial evidence supports the conclusion Scientology has a general policy of encouraging members to "disconnect" from non-
Scientologists who oppose Scientology or express reservations about its teachings."

Tommy lied. Tut tut.

Posted by: Plups at May 8, 2008 2:34 PM

Every time I see that Tom Davis I see images of him stalking John Sweeney or showing up at Shawn Lonsdale's interview with his dead agent pack.

I'm frankly amazed that they still use him as a front person. After the whole Sweeney thing I would think his reputation would be about gone.

Posted by: Odd Emperor at May 8, 2008 2:35 PM

HIP-HIP HOORAY!!!
HIP-HIP HOORAY!!!
HIP-HIP HOORAY!!!

Posted by: Ted at May 8, 2008 2:43 PM

It is odd that they continue to trot out this imperious little martinet. I can only imagine what kind of mother Anne Archer is.

Posted by: Artoo45 at May 8, 2008 2:48 PM

'"Rumor has it that he as spent several years on the RPF"'

Several months.

Well, google it anyway.

Posted by: at May 8, 2008 3:19 PM

Hey Tony- you da man...calls it straight and doesn't afraid of anything.

Artoo45- You wonder what kind of mother Anne Archer is...that's easy- she's a scientologist mother. Nuff said.

And to all the Anon- what a happy happy staturday THIS one is!!!

Posted by: Shanon at May 8, 2008 4:01 PM

"and we’ll also point out that the space-alien nature of Hubbard’s wacky upper-level “OT” materials isn’t something that just a few of us “say” is the case. It’s been documented again and again over decades of court cases against Scientology. And every high-level Scientologist who “blows” (leaves) has the same exact story to tell."

Not to mention it was distributed on wikileaks in LRon's handwriting. And Scientology tried to get them to take it down due to "copyright."

Tommy Davis is a sleazeball, listening him to talk is akin to the feeling of dumping your head in a bucket full of grease. He avoided the questions, and when he didn't, he was doing a song and dance where he was obviously avoiding a direct answer. I'm happy to see him out of the RPF and against this movement. He makes things much easier. Not that Pat Harney was a grade A spokesperson, but there's something about Tommy Davis that gives you a strange feeling of "Wow, I'll never invite him to my house."

Someone should send CNN the BBC investigation with Tommy Davis.

Posted by: `D at May 8, 2008 4:05 PM

They must be really desperate to be dusting off Tommy and plopping him in front of a TV camera. It went so well for them last time.

Posted by: Anonymous at May 8, 2008 4:10 PM

DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT! DOWNSTAT!

Posted by: L.T. Catnarok at May 8, 2008 4:26 PM

Excellent report, Tony! You are doing a FABULOUS job of once again exposing the insanities of Scientology.
Yes! Their upper level, "OT 3" claims one is covered with dead space aliens (Story at www.xenu.net) and one must get rid of them, to the tune of thousands of dollars.(Like 30K-100K)
Also, great timing! Happy Thursday, OSA.
(Scientology's 'Stats" end at Thursday at 2:00) and IF a 'bad article" isn't "handled" (Making Scientology look better) by 2:00--heads shall roll.
My best :)
Tory Christman, "In Scientology for 30
Y E A R S, escaped out in 2000, FREE
AT LAST!

Posted by: Tory Christman at May 8, 2008 4:28 PM

What do Scientologists believe? They believe as they individually choose to believe. So hey, you can't make a blanket statement in response to: "what do scientologists believe". But Scientology does have a foundation on which it rests, that runs through it. See the link.

Posted by: Terryeo at May 8, 2008 5:41 PM

No disconnetion?

Tommy-boy, read you OWN website:

http://faq.scientology.org/page40.htm

Posted by: Davey your days are numbered at May 8, 2008 5:50 PM

This is the age of information, nobody just walks into a car dealership to buy a car. They research on the internet, they find out what's good and what's bad about the car they want. They compare prices, they find sites that actually show the prices, features and accessories available to them.

They will do the same if they are "shopping" for a "religion" (get it, scientology costs lots and lots of money).

All this plugging of their website is doing is getting people to google 'scientology' and research both sides of the issue.

Can't stop the signal.

Posted by: Mark A. Bian at May 8, 2008 6:05 PM

As a Scientologist I once believed that those who questioned and attacked Scientology just didn't understand, and when they started talking about Xenu, I just laughed, because it was too silly to consider that it was real. Then I got to OT 3 and guess what?

I've got the souls of dead aliens stuck to my body! And I gotta get rid of them, zooooom!

I'll tell you why Tommy cannot answer the question, "What are Scientology's main tenets?"

Because there is no answer. None. There is no single set of beliefs, just a lot of individual little bits of techniques that do work (just tricks, really,) and a lot of confusing new words to learn that really just reprogram your brain to accept more Scientology. As you progress through your courses, you simply become more and more confused.

You see, when Tommy said "What can Scientology do for you," he revealed what Scientology really is: A Promise.
(An empty one, at that.)

Yup, Scientology offers a promise that L Rom Hubbard discovered the cure to whatever it is that you want cured.
You feel unloved? Scientology can cure that!
Low self esteem? Scientology can cure that!
You're gay? Scientology can cure that!
Blindness? Cancer? Sure, if you have enough money, it can all be audited away!

Virtually every malady, mental or physical, can be cured by the right tech, and a lot of money. At least, that's what you'll be told.

And when you are on the hamster wheel of Scientology, and things are not getting better, you are always promised that the real wins are just around the corner, and if you could just scrape up enough money for the next course, you'll feel so much better!

Well, Terryeo, you can keep running on that wheel. Good luck, 'cause I'm out.

bgodley, with eyes wide open, thanks to Anonymous!

Posted by: bgodley at May 8, 2008 6:32 PM

When reports started to trickle out about David Miscavige (head of Co$) hitting his own internal circle, I couldn't believe it. Then the rumors about Miscavige allegedly socking it to Tom Cruise before his Oprah cocksuckfest started to grow. After seeing Tommy Boy looking haggard, I have to wonder who else DM is physically attacking as his world crumbles around him?

Posted by: anon e moose at May 8, 2008 6:33 PM

Oh OSAAAAAAAAA, COME OUT TO PLAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYY!

Really, Tommy looks terrible. I can only imagine what the guys in the SP Hall look like. They must have gone "easy" on Tommy before the interview.

Posted by: Jack at May 8, 2008 7:42 PM

Thanks for covering this, Tony. It's so comforting to know that there are members of the media willing to take a hard look at this, and keep looking at it to get a complete picture out to the public.

In this case, CNN did a fair interview, and Scientology still came off as dodgy. Tommy Davis looked and talked like a punch-drunk boxer in this interview. He certainly didn't "float like a butterfly & sting like a bee." Scientology got nailed, looked evasive, and was shown to be lying about the protesters' behavior.

(Good luck back on the RPF, Tommy. I feel sorry for you. At least you won't have to do any more interviews. Still, Miscavige must be about to burst a blood vessel over this PR failure, and everyone knows he has a violent temper.)

Posted by: Janie at May 8, 2008 8:23 PM

Tony, thanks for speaking the truth. The Village Voice has always been excellent; it is now even more so.

I agree with other posters here that Tommy just doesn't look himself. He doesn't sound anything like he did in the Panorama vids either. RPF seems to have affected his tone level.

Posted by: I Think I Love Tony at May 8, 2008 10:03 PM

Lying ScienoTool is lying.

Posted by: Toby at May 8, 2008 11:23 PM

I almost wonder what would happen if we stopped making such a fuss over scientology? It reminds me of the saying: "It's better to get bad attention than no attention." Maybe we're just feeding the monkey...We might want to rethink how we want to succeed in our fight.

Posted by: Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe at May 9, 2008 1:09 AM

Well sure, Tommy Davis has already done all the worse when he attacked the BBC journalist some months ago.
We can see from his head a now that he did not changed, as he tries to make believe that scientology Xenu OT III story is not true or is silly I did that level myself, so, I can speak. That's how I call people having reached OT III and still believing that sci-fi level, that they became "polyschizophrenic". Indeed, believing one is parasited by thounsands of living beings inside one's body is a schizophrenia. And those scientologist like Tommy who deny it are liars.

Posted by: roger gonnet at May 9, 2008 2:20 AM

Lil' Tommy Davis has cancelled L Ron's beloved disconnection policy!

The scripture aint sacred no more.

Brilliant! L Ron will be angry - Real Angry!

Please tell all scientologists and their families, NOW!

Posted by: Chester at May 9, 2008 3:13 AM

Keep up the good work Tony.

Posted by: at May 9, 2008 3:43 AM

Poor Tommy. How pathetic.

Mike Rinder used to do a far better job of spinning (considering the constrictions). But he apparently left a few months ago, and I doubt he'll come back cringing and begging forgiveness after what they put him through.

Posted by: Eldon at May 9, 2008 4:21 AM

Tony, you're a Village Idiot and you know it, which is sad
Lolz

Posted by: Anonymous at May 9, 2008 5:09 AM

creepy creepy creepy.

Posted by: yikes at May 9, 2008 6:39 AM

HOW DO THESE UNSCRUPULOUS BASTARDS GET AWAY WITH BLATANT LIES ALL THE TIME....sinking cult is sinking... flagship is down

Posted by: christopherwalken at May 9, 2008 6:47 AM

Man Tommy Davis looked like he was about to keel over during that interview. All he kept saying was go to the org, go to org, go to the org, go to the org. Well some members of Anonymous in Boston did just that and you know what happened? The COS petitioned a judge and got the guy who applied for the permits for the Boston demonstrations charged with Criminal Trespassing and Harrassment. I should also mention that HE NEVER SET FOOT INSIDE THE BUILDING.

Posted by: Marcab Wing Commander at May 9, 2008 8:03 AM

TERRYEO, OSA SHILL, http://www.encyclopediadramatica.com/Terryeo

Posted by: Centurian 10 at May 9, 2008 11:17 AM

Ohhh, the Lulz, ohhhh. In large measure it is your negative effort that brings Scientology into public view. You think you are objecting to a wart, or something. But you're chanting the same message, "I don't think its helpful". Meanwhile, other people do find it helpful. Centurian 10, that's mostly untrue, there, I'm not part of that organization.

Posted by: Terryeo at May 9, 2008 12:00 PM

"mostly untrue"

lol.

Posted by: LOLLIN at May 9, 2008 12:20 PM

Thank you Tony Ortega for continiung to expose the con of Scientology in the media. The truth is finally going mainstream and we need to keep up the effort.

Tommy Davis was pathetically evasive in his interview and did not help.
However, Oprah's pandering to Tom Cruise will undoubtedly affect the smaller-minded who still worship Celebutards like Madonna who told New York Magazine: "Tom Cruise is getting a bad rap."

We cannot allow the pendulum to swing over to sympathy for poor attacked Tom Cruise. He is brainwashed and mentally damaged and needs an intervention.
His attempts to get Will Smith and Beckham into the cult are proof that he is very dangerous.

Our only hope is the continued great efforts of reporters like Tony Ortega to expose the criminal organization that passes itself off as a "religion"

As a U.S. judge once said - "if the Mafia was a religion it would be Scientology"

Posted by: Zenster at May 9, 2008 12:22 PM

I wander what will start to happen when new recruits actually start learning things they heard Scientology categorically denounse prior to them getting inside the church.
protip- much lulz will be had

Posted by: soskes at May 9, 2008 12:57 PM

I'm surprised more people haven't called you on the FLAGRANT BIAS of your story.

Specifically, what kind of LUNATIC believes in space planes shaped like DC-3s? THEY WERE DC-8s!

Which I think you will agree are MUCH more reasonable. I don't think you could mount a rocket engine allowing supralight velocities on a DC-3 frame.

Posted by: seebs at May 9, 2008 2:00 PM

"And all for only a mere $100,000 in cash, several years of your life, separation from your family and friends, and complete dedication to a dead pulp-fiction writer who dreamed up a religion starring disembodied alien souls being carried through the galaxy on spacecraft shaped like DC-3s! Join today!"

That's TOTALLY A LIE. Scientologists don't believe that at all and never did!

(... they were actually shaped like *DC-8s*)

Posted by: Paul S Riddick at May 9, 2008 2:57 PM

Give to Scientology what belongs to Scientology.
Let those who can afford Scientology & want Scientology have it.
life is a learning experience & believe me after having been in Scientology for a very long time I learnt later than sooner that I don't need Scientology.
Others may require the same learning experience because many experiences in life where a person learns are not all found to be nice experiences.
Life is not guaranteed for anyone.

Posted by: Windy at May 9, 2008 3:17 PM

Tommy Davis: Flunk!

Posted by: anonymouse at May 9, 2008 3:45 PM

$cientology spokespeople always count on the the reporter running out of time, so the tough questions never get answered.

Posted by: Hal at May 9, 2008 5:02 PM

Best article I've read in a long time.

Posted by: Terryeo at May 9, 2008 6:54 PM

I love the Village Voice - I love Tony Ortega! Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Anonymous at May 9, 2008 8:22 PM

So, Windy,

How much did it cost you to learn that you didn't need Scientology?

Posted by: Xenunetmonitor at May 9, 2008 10:35 PM

Tony Ortega wrote: "Maybe because this doesn’t play well on national TV: Superhuman powers! The ability to leave your body! To shape space and time with your mind! To be impervious to disease and live forever!"

Sounds pretty similar to the goals/promises of most religions out there, Tony. Of course, most say that it takes an entire lifetime (or lifetimes) to attain these things. You know, going on to heaven or nirvana, becoming an angel or a buddha, everlasting life, etc., etc.

Tony wrote: "And all for only a mere $100,000 in cash"

Frankly, that sounds cheap. Consider that various Christian denominations request about 10-15% of one's income each week/month. Spread that over an adult lifetime, and for a good majority of the population, you're talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, Scientology -- like other religions -- doesn't *require* that one pay anything, to call oneself a member of their church or to learn about or practice their philosophy.

Tony wrote: "...several years of your life,"

Now THAT one is a deal! Almost all other religions require you to die and go on to the afterlife, in order to achieve what Scientology is offering in a few years of a single lifetime. Can't beat that one! And if you really take an unbiased look at ALL those who have taken the Scientology spiritual path ... *most* seem pretty pleased with the results.

Tony wrote: "separation from your family and friends,"

There are religious-based familial rifts amongst all religions, aren't there? Can you find a single religious family out there that doesn't have these kinds of issues amongst *some* of its family members? Probably would be pretty difficult. It's easy to pile on Scientology because it's generally new and not too well-known ... but in the final analysis, it's no different than any other religion in this regard also.

Tony wrote: "and complete dedication"

I haven't heard of a religion that *doesn't* ask for "complete dedication" in at least its highest ecclesiastical levels and/or in order to reap the promised rewards of nirvana, heaven, eternal life, etc. Seems pretty common too.

My take is that Scientology is an easy target for you Tony, since it is new and not-too-well-known. You've bought the anti-Scientology line hook.line.sinker. I doubt there is much I can say that would convince you otherwise. To others, I would suggest the following site that does a decent job of dispelling the rumors, putting various accusations in context, and otherwise debunks various myths:

http://scientologymyths.info

Posted by: Marge at May 9, 2008 11:24 PM

Scientologists are so good at giving non-answers!

I bet Tommy Davis wishes he had an Oprah to finish his sentences like she did for Mr. Cruise.

Posted by: David at May 9, 2008 11:35 PM

i actually laughed for most of the interview. thanks cnn

Posted by: longcat war at May 10, 2008 8:48 AM

Tommy Davis nonanswered and outright lied . It's too bad CNN didn't do a bit more research before they asked him about OT III and Xenu.

Tony, you've been a terrific help in getting the facts out. Thank you so much. Here are some of the many references to back up the Xenu story up.

USDJ Judge Leonie Brinkema 4 Oct 96 Memorandum Opinion, RTC vs Lerma:

"The dispute in this case surrounds Lerma's acquisition and publication on the Internet of texts that the Church of Scientology considers sacred and protects heavily from unauthorized disclosure. Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, the Scientology religion attempts to explain the origin of negative spiritual forces in the world and advances techniques for improving one's own spiritual well-being. Scientologists believe that most human problems can be traced to lingering spirits of an extraterrestrial people massacred by their ruler, Xenu, over 75 million years ago. These spirits attach themselves by "clusters" to individuals in the contemporary world, causing spiritual harm and negatively influencing the lives of their hosts ".
http://www.lermanet.com/scientologylegal/brinkema-washpost.txt
http://www.lermanet.com/scientologylegal/brinkema-opinion112995.htm

PROOF that The story of Xenu in Comedy Central's South Park is the real thing!
http://www.lermanet.com/xenu-in-southpark-is-real.htm

New York Times: Scientology's Expensive Wisdom Now Comes Free - 08/12/95
http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/nytimes/nyt-lerma.htm

Clearwater Sun
Volume 68, Number 118 August 30,1981
Sect courses resemble science fiction
By RICHARD LEIBY Sun staff writer
http://www.lermanet.com/scientologynews/clearwatersun/sun-leiby-083081.htm

Operation Clambake presents:
Quotes about Scientology
http://www.xenu.net/archive/judge_quotes.html

Posted by: Mary McConnell at May 10, 2008 1:14 PM

Keep up the good work,

*cheers*

Posted by: Janon at May 10, 2008 10:20 PM

Sounds pretty similar to the goals/promises of most religions out there, Tony. Of course, most say that it takes an entire lifetime (or lifetimes) to attain these things. You know, going on to heaven or nirvana, becoming an angel or a buddha, everlasting life, etc., etc.

Uhm, no it doesn't. The Bible (to use the most mainstream of religions) mentions nothing about super powers. It doesn't mention that you become angels. In fact, in Revelations it describes a war in Heaven that was wrought from the creation of human beings and angels resenting it. So, in the Christian faith, when you die, you don't get wings and a halo. Reincarnation is a different story, however, and the faiths that believe in it offer no super powers either. It's pretty obvious that Scientology borrowed facets from popular religions (creation, reincarnation, the cross) to appeal to a wide audience while cloaking the corporation in religion (Brennan's affidavit, anyone?)

Frankly, that sounds cheap. Consider that various Christian denominations request about 10-15% of one's income each week/month. Spread that over an adult lifetime, and for a good majority of the population, you're talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars. Of course, Scientology -- like other religions -- doesn't *require* that one pay anything, to call oneself a member of their church or to learn about or practice their philosophy.

OK, some denominations have tithing of 10-20%, that much is true. However, in contrast, I know Catholics that don't pay a tithe, attend mass every Sunday, and aren't excommunicated. Tithing is archaic in most churches' eyes. Donations are still encouraged but not required in a majority of cases. Then there's Scientology. Sure, it doesn't cost anything to check the books out of the library or even attend the Sunday "services" (again, established to cloak the corporation in religion). But, to move up the "Bridge to Total Freedom" one needs auditing from another Scientologist (solo auditing doesn't come until much later). And if you want to be assured the auditing is done properly, you get it from the CoS. Now, that being said, a declaration was made earlier this year that anyone who hadn't completed the "Basics" course was not a Scientologist. How much does the "Basics" course cost? Not too much. But, then we get back to the Bridge. Scientologists are aggressively "encouraged" to purchase more books, auditing, and courses to move up the Bridge by the CoS. They even go so far as to have Scilebritologists write letters to those who are "stalled" on the Bridge (see Leah Remini's open letter). I'm pretty sure most Christians, Bhuddists, etc can attend services for a lifetime and not spend one red cent outside the gas it takes them to get there. Also, I'm pretty sure they aren't aggressively sold services. Imagine a coin slot on the confessional or a $1000 baptismal ceremony. Guess where I can get a free bible? Just about anywhere. Guess where I can get a free copy of OT 8? No whe--wait, Wikileaks sez I can haz Ohtee ate fo fwee?!

Now THAT one is a deal! Almost all other religions require you to die and go on to the afterlife, in order to achieve what Scientology is offering in a few years of a single lifetime. Can't beat that one! And if you really take an unbiased look at ALL those who have taken the Scientology spiritual path ... *most* seem pretty pleased with the results.

Require you to die? Here's the disconnect, Marge. I'd say that most religious people do reap earthly benefits from their religions. The thing is, religions are supposed to be a guideline in which to live your life; a sort of moral compass, if you will. Scientology grossly appeals to ones id (in evil psych terms) by offering immortality, control over MEST, etc, which is why you see Scilebrities, business owners, moguls like Packer--ooh wait, you lost that party member, eh? Most other religions, appeal to the conscience and morality. While there are some tenets of Scientology that do appeal to ones conscience and morals, I'd venture to guess those people wake up and blow down the line.

If you were referring to a requirement to die as having to die in order to, according to Christian belief, have (the benefit Scientology grants in mere years) eternal life in Heaven with God after death, I should probably point you to L. Ron's grave. He's dead. He didn't move on to further study. He's not on Venus dodging trains. How many OTs have died, by the way? How many died of cancer? How many of those were aboard the Freewinds? Odd. Methinks I've found a connection...hmm.

OK, I'm done downstatting you for now, but I wouldn't recommend anyone go to that site without a condom. But, if you do, be sure to look at the bit about the Freezone and it's founders and let me know if you think Fair Game is still alive...why are his (legal) sexual brought into question? Hmm.

Game over, Marge.

Posted by: Anon, Anon, My Boyfriend's Back! at May 12, 2008 1:18 PM

www.wikileaks.org

On this site you can find all the secret scientology documents.

Why read the second hand info, check out the crazy BS in primary source.

Posted by: Mick at May 12, 2008 8:28 PM

I really wonder when Scientology will wise up and start using some of their own tenets? In Scientology they tell you it's very important to be real because that helps others understand you. Down the decades Scientology spokespeople have been known for being really WEIRD. Now that just doesn't cut it. And, by the way, having done OTIII myself those space alien (or Body Thetan as they call them) techniques of course DO exist.

Get real Scientology. That's IF you can. (And that's the real problem.) ;-)

Posted by: Xenu's Pal at May 13, 2008 11:24 AM

Ah, poor Tommy can't help but lie....afterall, he was born with a silver Scientology foot in his mouth.

Many, many people are now filing legal affidavits to government agencies.

The first one to talk gets immunity - the rest go to jail.

Posted by: KeeKee at May 16, 2008 3:56 PM

lol tommy lol tommy lol ha ha ha ha ha we win..scilons are fail lol

Posted by: ummanonymous at May 22, 2008 5:27 PM

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