Comments (30)

what i think is the most telling about that video is when he mentions "creating our own reality." um. yeah, that certainly seems like what's going on here. no where that i am aware of, is that kind of behavior considered healthy.
i also see what ms. hoffman meant in the last column about the charisma factor that cruise has and how is applying it to his religion, but i would certainly hope that anyone with a modicum of intuition could see past the whole teen-heartthrob thing or whatever that he's been coasting on ever since he was one. his intensity strikes me as that of a skilled actor... but more along the lines of his character in collateral, or a date rapist.
what's legitimately concerning about this sort of thing is the way that we deify our celebrities also prompts us to do silly things like vote them into office and give them positions of legitimate power, not just cultural influence.
let's just hope we never see the name "cruise" on a ballot.

An apparent cult that has great appeal to the rich and famous, although I don't have a comprehensive list of these Hollywood power brokers.....it is mildly mysterious that it has achieved the status of a religious faith but it seems to share certain aspects of the 'power of positive thinking' mantra that preacher Norman Vincent Peale made so popular years ago (what's a more obvious sign of 'spiritual' success in the USA than the accumulation of power & vast wealth??). Science fiction indeed!!

This is a typical all American con job that is either a thinly veiled guilt-reducer and wealth justifier used by the rich and famous, or somehow manages to appeal to the born followers & rich and famous wannabees that abound in the USA...and just imagine how thrilling to rub shoulders with those rich and famous giants of the classic American success story! A sure sign of the flocking of psycologically crippled birds, if you ask me.

Another poster pointed out the stiff, authoritarian aura publicly exhibited by members, and so common to the 'automaton' phenonemon associated with other cults of the past. This psychological profile has alot in common with brainwashing techniques used on POWs by the North Koreans during the Korean war.

Monumental egos must have a common place to gather, after all. But how healthy are these egos we might ask, to fall for such claptrap? Cruise seems to have control issues that are extraordinary even by celebrity standards.

What a load of crap, but always good for tax exempt status of course - in a saner world no religion and it's accompanying resources would be exempt from taxation.

I hadn't yet watched the Cruise video till today, since I was so annoyed they let Ms. Hoffman write, since she can't. But I just watched it, and he does mean to be scary--he's like a Howard Hughes simulation, totally unreal. At least DiCaprio was trying to act the part, not BE it. Cruise's video, with that trashy 'Mission Impossible Theme' fragment going on and on ad infinitum, and then he goes on about how nobody will confront him with anything in person. He's TAKEN CARE OF THAT. Maybe he doesn't realize that most people, if push comes to shove, don't want to be around him. He's only a fair actor, anyway, and has mostly made trash. Good in 'Magnolia', which is just a better version of this video, in which he just seems to be reacting to some electric current or something that stimulates him into trying to sound commanding.

I wouldn't think there's much to worry about, because he's not at all effective in the film. If Ms. Hoffman thinks he's 'intense', then I hope she will take Scientology. It seems full of people without personalities of their own, and the ones who went into it and had personalities (they found out a little too late sometimes) were chased and harassed for years on end sometimes.

What a lot of crud about 'getting rid of the spectators.' Does he wish to relinquish his status as a movie star, which requires millions of paying spectators? I would actually think this is possible, because his acting range can probably not stretch any further. Heath Ledger did more in 9 years in terms of acting than Cruise has in 25. So Cruise would have to consider Ledger a 'drug addict' and maybe even a 'spectator' because he probably died of an accidental overdose of sleeping medication. His ex-wife, Australian Nicole Kidman, was very 'shocked and saddened' by Ledger's death. I imagine Cruise just thought 'If I could only have gotten him to the e-meter in time. Same with Brooke, all she did was get mad with me like I'd insulted her when I put her down for taking ADPs.'

Yeah, he's probably more intelligent than L. Ron Hubbard, because he's a top movie star, but he'll probably end up like Howard Hughes. What a creep.

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"One man's theology is another man's
belly-laugh."
Any person: white, black, brown, yellow, red,
poor, gay, straight, fat, or emaciated, etc.,
may become a christian, a jew, a bhuddist,
a muslim, or a member of any other "real"
religion.
But can any of these "real people" become a
Scientologist?
Ever see a poor black, over-weight, gay
Scientologist? Not in this lifetime.
Not as long as Mr. and Mr. Cruise are riding
shot-gun, under the watchful eyes of "LRH".

Bush would actually make an excellent scientologist, come to think of it.

I don't know much about Scientology, but the lawsuits make them seem pretty scary, as do the stories about how they treat people who try to leave. My mother and I were in a cult when I was a child, and if the stories about Scientology are remotely true, then it's a cult and a dangerous one.

One of the reasons that Scientology is protected has nothing to do with the pitfalls of the Bill of Rights but religion in general. Why is the idea of a Galactic Overlord named Xenu imprisoning spirits on Earth more outlandish then God being born as man, walking on water, feeding thousands on two fish and one loaf of bread; or better put- how bread and wine become, literally become, the body and blood of God (Jesus Christ) at every mass? How are 'thetans' so different from Angels or demons? Scientologists reject established Psychiatric Science but how is that different from disputing evolution and/or favoring creationist teachings? How about most religions condemning contraceptives as 'immoral' or 'evil'? Additionaly, how many people claim that God is the only way to true happiness? How is 'auditing' more sensational then a priest claiming that God posseses his body while hearing a confession? The list goes on and on (and I don't mean to only pick on Catholicism). It should disturb people because it's a mirror into human thought, or more bluntly, what people can willingly believe. As a secularist, I am completely apprehensive about Scientology's rise and I extend those fears to all organized religion. Scientology should be a warning to all religious people to distrust those that claim a superior authority on God and morality.

I think the Nazi analogy is correct. When Tom Cruise said that the spectators (non-Scientologists) needed to get on the playing field or get out of the arena, just what did he mean? How is he going to get us out of the "arena"? Euthanize us? It gives me hope that his cult of personality is not resonating with Americans. There is hope for us, yet.

I think the main thing that's got everyone's knickers in a knot is how Scientology responds thru both public displays and secret actions against anyone who speak against them. Pretty reactionary...just like a cult. That, and their almost Nazi-like devotion to uniforms, personality to power, glassy-eyed and fevered rallys, and the exclamations of triumph of the will over their adversaries. Deutchland, Deutchland, uber Allies! Speak out now before they take Poland!

I agree with just about every writer on this forum. I mean what's next, a trickless magician! But in all fairness to one's own ability to chose and decide, What is wisdom without foolishness? Darkness has always and will forever wage war against the light. I tell you what, if you think that Scientology is a piece of work, wait until the next one pops up and who supports it. We are living in some crazy times is all i'm saying. Peace!

I agree with just about every writer on this forum. I mean what's next, a trickless magician! But in all fairness to one's own ability to chose and decide, What is wisdom without foolishness? Darkness has always and will forever wage war against the light. I tell you what, if you think that Scientology is a piece of work, wait until the next one pops up and who supports it. We are living in some crazy times is all i'm saying. Peace!

Hahahaha! Love the navy references :-) Ever see Hubbard in his fake Admirals outfit? This guy had a fetish with uniforms and it reflects in his "organization's" love of all things navy. Guess that extends to their idea of old-school punishment and the hierarchy of power. Bet the higher-ups would love nothing better than a good old-fashioned keel-hauling of their enemies.

Watch out, Scooby Due. The Scientology Navy will come after you for linking them with the evils of Psychiatry! Maybe they'll have you walk the plank into a vat of savage and blood-thirsty wild lawyers. They'll sue you silly until you bleed money into their treasure chests and use it against the next person who dares cross swords with Long Tom Silver! Argh! Shivers me timbers just thinking about it....br-r-r-r-r-r!

L Ron Hubbard has anyone except me taken a look at the well it used to be free video at blockbuster on this thing scientology by the founder himself. I have to agee with the CAC in Tacoma, not only that but I have first hand knowledge with this group. I am an actor and in the 80's lived in LA was involved with a film company that was almost all Scientologest, cept me. i read what they what they think, I went to some of there events at the Celeberty Center, but everytime I need to laugh, I mean so hard that I fall over I think about the video where this Mr. Hubbard sits in front of the camera and tells us all about his therory about life. If anyone that sees that and then goes, "I think I'm going to go with these people" I know that these are the kind to people that like Mr. Cruise said only he can help. cause the rest of us are laughing so hard we are crying and can't get off the floor... so sad... but what is really sad is the culture shallowness we live in. I am all for the public liking what I love that would be acting. But please get a grip... is the whole thing that no one will even speak the truth about this sham is because Tom C. is is this screen actor star so big that he is beyond the truth. If he says that the earth is flat then it is... wait did he say that???

Scientology = Self help + Psychiatry + spirituality

Oh, and as a non-believer in ANY organized religion, I think people like me who don't have a dog in this fight are the only people who can actually make clear judgements about what organizations should be judged as a "religion" or as not. The Abrahamic religions have their own points of absurdity, as does Hinduism, Buddism and other deist based religions, but they have the advantage of longevity and servants who actively fight against the baser elements trying to use the religion for personal gain. Scientology seems to mainly be based on members increasing personal power and wealth, while actively attempting to silence and destroy those who speak out agains them (especially disillusioned former devotees). Sounds closer to a gang of self-involved Ponzi-schemers than a religion to me.

The folks from Scientology are just using a standard marketing ploy - the celebrity spokesperson. And it seems to be working - all of a sudden Scientology is in the news. I can't blame them for turning to Tom Terrific - the organization's leader David Miscavige has a ferret-like visage that hardly inspires confidence.

RE: CAC in Takoma Park

I know what you mean. I still live in the Tampa Bay area, and these are some of the creepiest people you will ever deal with. Walking around the Clearwater area in their little sailor suits in packs of 5 or more, looking for all the world like a group of Nazi Youth in brighter colors. They have an arrogant swagger about them as bad as any thuggish group of drug-pushing gangbangers in East L.A. or Chicago, except they use lawsuits and drive-by character assassinations as their preferred method of shutting anyone up who disagrees with them or their methods.

L. Ron Hubbard (or LRH in their group-speak) was very public and outspoken in his desire to establish a "religion" that would line his pockets and set about purposefully to fleece as many people as he could. I mean really, come on...Thetans infesting our bodies, volcanoes, black holes and holding two phallic symbols with wires on them? Cheap ideas from a lousy sci-fi writer, and yet people STILL think this guy was legit? His "flock" is being fleeced on a daily basis, reaching for "levels" they pay more and more, but still falling short of the ultimate heights. Each and everyone of these people that pay for the privilage of reaching their version of Nirvana only perpetuates LRH's belief that people are suckers. They can quest all they want for whatever they think will make their lives better, even working together as a large self-help group, but calling themselves a "religion" is a farce.

Good they have done in the community? Maybe in Los Angeles. But visit Clearwater, Florida where I was born and was raised in a neighboring community and see what "good" they have done.They have completely taken it over. They don't revitalize areas. They put up tawdry storefronts and their goal is not revitalization of the community in which they live, but putting money into their own pockets and into their "church". Both the government and citizens are frightened to criticize them, because this "church" uses lawsuits for intimidation.

They are bad, bad, BAD news. I won't go see a movie with a celebrity Scientologist. I figure if the money I pay to see the movie goes into the pocket of some whacked Scientologist, it goes into that "church" and supports torture, murder, theft and brainwashing. I boycott them.

Scientology is a perfect example of the foresight of one P.T.Barnum....there actually is one born every minute; witness JoJo. I couldn't care less, as is true of most Americans, what religion anyone wishes to practice. The only rule for me is that such religion can't bully or intimidate others and take hatred of objective science, medicine and therapeutic drugs to the levels where many are hurt.

As for Tome Cruise, I rank him in the same category with that brilliant anti-Semite, JoJo.

Scientology is a perfect example of the foresight of one P.T.Barnum....there actually is one born every minute; witness JoJo. I couldn't care less, as is true of most Americans, what religion anyone wishes to practice. The only rule for me is that such religion can't bully or intimidate others and take hatred of objective science, medicine and therapeutic drugs to the levels where many are hurt.

As for Tome Cruise, I rank him in the same category with that brilliant anti-Semite, JoJo.

Scientology is a man made,"thought philosophy" of life, masqurading as a key to spiritual
enlightenment. Its purpose is creating a false sense of need for its purpose.It is not an actual religion. It has not been the organizing foundation of any culture, at any time, any where in history. Nor has it been the guiding agent of social and spiritual morality in any region of the known world.
It was concieved by an ex-CIA, science - fiction writer, typed on a type-writer, and published on cardboard, paper, ink and glue.
The key to success in Scientology is how much money you can generate for the "church".
The more money you can make, the more successful you become, the more money you can make. The point comes where you can't become successful if you are not a Scientologist, so you need to be a Scientologist to become successful, thereby perpetuating the myth that becoming a Scientologist ensures that one will achieve success: hence the concept of the Scientology Mafia" in Hollywood.Try to be a Scientologist without paying thousands of dollars for their classes or being coerced into donating 30% of your earnings to the church...
it is impossible. Then try and drop out of the church. Talk about a bad B-movie...

Celebrity status has value in that one can be heard - but passionate faith is not unique to celebrities. The candidates for president attain celebrity status and they are people of faith - but does their faith speak to their ability to be rational beings?
Ohg
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/01/16/mormon-scientologists-for-jehovah-on-the-7th-day/

Any way you look at it, the video of Tom Cruise appearing before the Scientology gathering is chilling to watch. The salute, the posture of absolute obedience to authority, the bloviated seriousness with which he takes himself, and the exaggerated nonsense about his meetings with world leaders revealed someone not totally in touch with reality.

Living generations look back on the Nazi era in Germany as a period torn out of time and place, a horror unto itself. The Germans shouting themselves hoarse at the rantings of a maniac are thought to be unique examples of the human race. Tom Cruise comes along and reminds us that all the elements that produced Nazi-loving Germans still exist in many outwardly normal individuals.

Jojo:

Scientology is not more balanced and viable than any other organization. Please google (and this is a real site) www.whyaretheydead.net.

These are real, and recent.. and extraordinarily alarming. And the numbers are growing.

Jojo:
You're clearly an idiot. Scientology -- balanced? Viable? Do you have the slightest idea how those scumbags operate??

At least Scientology is more balanced and viable than Judaism or Zionism.

It disturbs me that Scientology is treated as a religious issue at all. Not that long ago there was still a healthy dose of skepticism in the media about an organization that began and still operates more like a business than anything that could plausibly be called a church. It's sad to see that the bullying lawsuits over the church's supposed intellectual property have intimidated the reporters who might have told it like it is.

The Church of Scientology should be forced to pay back taxes, and all future taxes resulting from their income. They are an odious scam, and nothing more.