June 27, 2007
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Scientology and Tom Cruise
As I mentioned in my photoblog the other day, Germany is stopping Tom Cruise from filming one of his movies at German military sites.
German authorities are said to ban him from using the military sites because he is a Scientologist. German Defense Ministry spokesman Harald Kammerbauer said the filmmakers ”will not be allowed to film at German military sites if Count Stauffenberg is played by Tom Cruise, who has publicly professed to being a member of the Scientology cult.” Here is the link: Link
I looked up the word “cult.” Here is the definition: “a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.”
Is Scientology a cult?
Comments (116)
Yes. The only thing that might change it from cult status is that it is getting a little to big to be classified as a cult but it definitely has those roots.
Yep.
I know a guy who grew up in a Scientology compound, and he would agree.
Yeah, I think it is pretty extremist! and RYC - I like Brent all rugged and grungy from racing because we always have so much fun at the races. But he looks pretty dang good dressed up too!
I have no idea. I just know it’s wierd. I also know, however, that everyone seems to have it in for Tom Cruise, largely for his religions which I don’t think it right. I think I”m the only one on the planet who still likes him
Ha. I’m gonna take easy way out and say yes and no. Everybody has the freedom to belive what they want to belive, and that makes me say no. But the part “unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society” makes me say yes, sounding a bit like a cult.
Isn’t any religion a cult?
So not trying to defend Mr Weird and Out There. I totally can not stand him.
I don’t know that it falls under the specific definition of a cult because there is [to my knowledge] not one specific leader. I’ll still call it one though.
i don’t know enough about scientology to call it a cult
but i do have an uneasy feeling about tom and
the scientologists i have met (at the mall! haha)
Yes, it is. I did research on it and you wouldn’t believe the crazy stuff they believe. It’s really, really out there.
And just an aside note, I googled my xanga name yesterday because at one point you mentioned doing that, and everything that came up were comments on your site.
Scientology = stupidity
Plain and simple… It’s just an excuse to get money out of every body… that’s what’s religion is today.
If I had a chance to face Tom Cruise in the ring on world wide television for 30 seconds, I would break his face… twice… and pay money just to have the opportunity.
Only if the Alien Masters say it is…
I dont think there is a person I dislike more than Tom Cruise… and that’s only because of the scientology thing.
But then again, I don’t really dislike that many people. So he’s really at the top of the short list of people I don’t like.
I think you should ask me in my past life….
I don’t know, I really don’t know much about scientology
Scientology is a legitimate religion no less valid than any other though some would argue that all religions are cults.
Yes, just like being dedicated to your blog.
Scientology is probably one of the most scary threats to America that the government just seems to let be. It is definately a cult.
Depends on who you ask. One person’s cult is another person’s religion.
Of course it’s a cult. They have created the “religion” based upon a science fiction book. Dianetics (sp?) has been proven to be false. Most religions cannot be proven to be scientifically false because it’s faith.
I think it may be considered that just from it being unorthodox and extreme. But any religion is that way that’s in the minority. As for charismatic leader… Can L. Ron Hubbard be considered a charismatic leader from the grave? Probably. I read somewhere that L. Ron Hubbard built his concepts about Scientology from a known Satanist. Whether that’s true or not, I can’t be sure. But it does sound interesting, and it also would make sense from what I’ve read about scientology.
Yes, it is. plain and simple
If Scientology is a cult, then so is Christianity.
Yes.
IMO, every belief system was once considered “unorthodox and radical/extreme”, therefore every belief system– at one point in time– was considered a “cult”…
And that’s not to say I believe in Scientology.
In my book!
No.. there’s no charismatic leader of Scientology, and they don’t live outside of society..
And it’s no more false, unorthodox or extremist than any other religion.. it’s just very Science Fiction-y.
yes very much so
It was described as a “thriving cult of greed and power. . .a ruthless global scam. . .” (Time magazine, May 1991). I think that pretty much sums up my thoughts.
If I had a chance to face Tom Cruise in the ring on world wide television for 30 seconds, I would break his face… twice… and pay money just to have the opportunity.
6/27/2007 9:04 AM Bokgwai
lol!!
the usual definition is a cult = anyting thats not your religion.. lol
i dont know.. blah.. im over tom crazt, rosie o-boring-and-loud-mouth, and paris sits-in-jail.. haha
Daniel (doubledb)
Yeah. However, i believe the truest definition of the word cult is any belief or belief system that does not recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Bam.
http://www.xanga.com/TRUTHS_4_LIFE <– this explains cults pretty well
Wow…people are profiling so quick.
I once did one of their free stress tests as a way to pass time. The meter was basically pegged at one end and the guy said that I was extremely stressed out and would probably die if I didn’t buy one of L. Ron Hubbard’s books to teach me how to lose my stress. A few minutes later, I heard the other guy at the booth say the exact same thing to another guy followed about a half hour later by hearing a lady being told the same thing as I was walking out of the mall. I think the chances of that not being extremely shady are very slim. Plus, I didn’t buy the book and I am still alive after three years.
While I think it’s a little out there, no I don’t think it’s a cult, the beliefs are so out there and crazy; but isn’t that what they said about the Christians religion I mean they think an old dude parted a fucken sea with a cane come on……
http://www.hkcug.com/get.php?id=1640Canon User Group 佳能用家論壇
No, once you are inside the twelfth circle you will understand the alien race your DNA was modified by, and then you will pay money to the masters to shield your future DNA.
It’s all very simple.
Dear Dan,
Scientoloty is indeed a “cult”. I sometimes wonder if L.Ron Hubbard would even recognize the sect today. Too bad cults don’t spring up from every sci fi writer. We could have “Clarkeology” or “Bradburology” based on their writings.
The deeper one goes into the Scientology process. (I live in L.A. It’s always been real big in Hollyweird.) the harder it is to escape, like in most other cults. At first, it seems like the answer to one’s dreams and worries, like est and lifespring in the 70s, but then one has to give up more and more of his personal wealth to the cult.
“Christianity” is not a cult, but like other “recognized” religions, has given birth to many cults within it’s overall banner.
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
Hi Dan..here is the best link to post on that subject..** here take care..Lee
oops..sorry..click on the word HERE *
Um…yes. They worship the alien Xenu. Hello! Sounds a bit like Heaven’s Gate…only worse. Hubbard’s followers include the guy that is the head of Satanism, Charles Manson, and Greta Van Susteren for chrissakes! It’s really outlandish. I’m just waiting for them all to put o their sneakers and purple sheets….come and get ‘em Xenu!!!
Well, since the founder of Scientology was quoted years before saying “If you want to make an easy million dollars, just invent your own religiom”, I’m going to say very yes.
i think that religion is a cult. But that won’t stop me from practising it!
*hugs*
is sleeping with someone(no sex just sleeping) a sin?
they like your money
and hate blood donors
they also believe that they are decended from a race of aliens called thetans
yeppers.
yes
If its not a cult, its as close as one can get. Then again, couldn’t everyone make the claim about anyone’s belief?
This is quite funny…
Suri Cruise
I would consider it a cult.
Not a cult, just a set of beliefs. Not everyone would define Scientology as “false, unorthodox, or extremist”. To those of us who don’t believe in it, we’d categorize it as that. But to those who do believe it is the correct way of life, then I doubt they’d define it as a cult. And no, I don’t believe in Scientology.
I don’t know about scientology, but I would like to smack Tom Cruise in the face with a wet fish.
Scientology x 1.5 billion people = Christianity
Yes. When the leader of your group says he made it all up just to get rich, its is definitely a cult.
Yeah. However, i believe the truest definition of the word cult is any belief or belief system that does not recognize Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Bam.
<LI class=itemtimestamp>6/27/2007 10:00 AM
<LI class=itemsubmitter>Eternalimplosion (message)
Nice.
Yes.
And that is a horrible picture of Tom Cruise.
Christianity also began as a cult. A cult most often revolves around one man and his teaching. People in the cult develop a kind of “code” language with words and phrases related to their secret teachings or writings or practices or beliefs.
Christianity in this sense is a cult; the leader, Jesus Christ, and his teachings are the central focus for many people. They get around the discrepancy between monotheism and polytheism my equating Jesus with God.
With the Jews, it’s really often more about Abraham and Moses than God. With the Mormons, it’s Joseph Smith and his visions and their Book of Mormon.
Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and many like ministries, are cults revolving around the man and his message, which take precedence even over God many times.
A cult,in the simplest sense, is like a club. Unfortunately, it can be a very exclusive, demanding, and threatening one where those who don’t buy into the whole package are ostracized.
Scientology is a cult because its focus is pretty narrow. But it’s also a religion, like AA is a religion.
I think this is what Jesus had in mind when he said we should worship God (hmm, he didn’t say “worship ME”) in spirit and in truth.
Not a man and his message: God.
Oh you betcha don’tcha know.
In truth, the rules of Scientology says that it is alright for a scientologist to kill anyone that questions their beliefs or poses a threat to scientology.
So, you tell me.
It is a cult. We had a bit of a study of Scientology in high school during a class, and actually met up with some on a field trip. They were definitely out there.
yes it is a cult for sure. you have to pay to be enlightened
um, yes. they believe in an evil being named xenu. it’s a total farce.
“If Scientology is a cult, then so is Christianity.”
^That’s hardly logical.
Yes.
By the definition used, it certainly is a cult. I would, however, agree with mrcolorful that Scientology seems a bit big for cult status. Is there another term for such an institution upon reaching such an enormous size?
yikes
of course
dan, have you seen the south park episode dealing with scientology?
meh it’s only a cult if it’s gone in twenty years. cults are fads. religions last longer.
A friend of mine did a report on them in High School. From the information I obtained through her, I would say yes.
That’s crazy.
How does letting someone who happens to have the religious “cult” view of a scientologist have anything to do with the filming? Are they afraid that by accepting him the military will be forever linked with scientology?
why not just say we won’t accept people who are gay, or minorities, or belive in this or that. . .
Gee, I think everyone of us probably has something others disagree with. When will we learn you can’t just block somebody out becuase they don’t fit 100% with “the way most of society is”
Religion is a cult.
Um…i don’t know
Hope you are having a good day…Dan
Scientology is for creeps.
Again your question has an underlying question(I know, that’s redundant, but this isn’t English class so oh well) “Is there such thing as objective truth?” If objective truth does not exist, the many responses about every religion being out of vogue at one time or another have some validity. On the other hand, if there is such thing as objective truth, then we can easily identify scientology as a cult based on it’s false teachings. I believe the latter, and if you don’t believe in objective truth, I have a suit of magical clothes for sale, once worn by an emperor.
Goddamnit, Scientology is a cult. Scientologists are on the list of right between Baptists and Hindus and Evangelicals.
im mormon, and for most of my church’s history we have been labeled as a cult…
i have just spent like 3 hours researching scientology, both the official and good stuff and the bad stuff too…in my opinion you need to hear both sides of an argument before you decide about something like religion..i tell people who do anti-mormon research and thats it, and take it as gospel that they shouldnt be asking someone who hates chocolate ice cream if they should go and have some…of course that person is going to tell you no!! now in most of my personal experiences with people who leave the mormon church, its been because someone offended them, or they didnt want to live the way the church believes we should live (i.e. not drinking, or things of a similar nature…)..
in my research of scientology there were a lot of people who left because of mistreatment, i mean HORRIBLE pshycho-sounding concentration camp type of treatment…there were harrassment tactics, blackmail, mistreatment of children (which as a mother i find APPALLING)…and when i looked up their actual beliefs and why they justify these things i was even more appalled! their beliefs sound a little cooky to me, and most people think MORMONS are cooky! so if i am thinking they are cooky, it must be WAY out there right?!
i think one thing in paticular pissed me off..i am a victim of domestic abuse, and there is and never WILL be an excuse for it, EVER…this is a quote from one of their overt-motivator thingamajigs…”For example, if you hear a wife saying how the husband beats her every day, look under her pillow for the bat that she uses because sure as the devil, if she is saying that the yellow ball has hit the red ball, notice that the red ball had to hit the yellow ball first. “
UM NO! i could have been the worst wife in the world, and it still is not excusable…
so in my opinion, yeah its a cult..they behave like one, seem very controlling and stuff..for a group that supposedly applauds free thinking and expresses that free thinking is a way to get to enlightenment with ones self they sure demand a lot of indocrination and conforming…hmmm….
I don’t really care much for their beliefs, those are all fun and games. But Scientology is fucking dangerous. Read about their criminal involvements, and how they get their “donations”.
-David
Well I don’t really know that much about Scientology but what I do know makes me come to the conclusion thats it not really a cult.
Lol. Sounds like it to me.
Yeah, pretty much. Mostly just really dumb.
Yeah, pretty much.
As much as I disagree with Scientology, it is really base and discriminatory of Germany to disallow the filming on the basis of his religion.
I’m really getting tired of the German government.
OK for one, that’s a really shitty definition, wikipedia (our savior) has a better one: “In religion and sociology, a cult is a term designating a cohesive group of people (generally, but not exclusively a relatively small and recently founded religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be outside the mainstream.”
And with that definition Scientology is a cult. and oh my god xanga made me fucking capitalize scientology
I think the name “Scientology” contradicts what they believe. I mean how can you say you’re a scientologist and then not believe in psychology? It’s the scientific field of the study of the human mind. It makes no sense.
Well…. Hollywood IS an unconventional society………
I’d call it one
Christianity rings a bell.
Yes.
Haha Tom Cruise, you stupid idiot. And you have creepy little hands.
Uhm…it was freaking founded by a science fiction writer. Come on now. What do you think?!
Yes.
A religion (yes) considered to be false (yes) with members often living outside of conventional society (yes; they often have their own neighborhoods) under the direction of a charismatic leader (yes. the one that invented the religion. he’s dead now, but, whatever)
Scientology is a cult!
Well it’s obvious that Christianity is just as false as the rainbow of other pagan religions it modeled itself after.
We also know that the tenets of Christianity instructs its followers to live outside the tenets of “conventional society.” “In the world but not of it.”
We know that Jesus was believed to be a charismatic leader.
Many sects of Christianity are extremists, in fact fundamentalism is just as strong today as it ever has been.
4/4 – Christianity is a cult.
“Religion is a cult” ~worrell_winds
definitions of a cult:
%a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often(not always! not set in stone that) living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
%any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
I would say this counts. Scientology would be a cult. “it’s a religion, it’s a cult, blah blah blah” in a way it’s both, depending how much sway you give to idea that religion can be included under the word cult.
In the …7th grade my teacher told me that Christianity was considered a cult when it started. Due to size and other religious opinions. Today there are definately sects “within” Christianity that would be considered cults.
By that definition, so are extreme right wing evangelicals.
yes. hmmm but i dont think it is bad unless they start hurting others or themselves.
The “religion” of Scientology is, as I mentioned there, a joke. And to treat it as anything other than such, is a travesty.
No cult about it!
fairly confident with yes
all religions are cults. Just because it was started by a science fiction author doesn’t mean it isn’t a religion. But as I said, cults and religions are one and the same.
yes…and a really out there one…
no i think they’re just being sort of cautious so tom cruise doesn’t start feeding zyclon to, oh, i dunno, people without six packs.
I have not studied Scientology.
YES
“The best way to make money is to start your own religion”
-The Founder of Scientology (Forgot how to spell his name)
I’m not about to trash on someone’s spirtual path,… no matter how NUTTY I find it. ::wink::
Only if Christianity is.
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Scientology is similar to a cult but it’s so widely practiced that everyone is in denial about it. I was reading a magazine article (i’m not sure how correct it was) but it was talking about some of their religious customs, i guess you would call them. I was just blown away by how they defended their beliefs with these almost ridiculous theories. But then I agree that other religions can be called cults as well. but there’s nothing they can do about Germany refusing to let them film since Germany is not America. Duh.
yes….but any extreme beliefs that is impairing you from thinking and acting “rationally” can be considered cult-like
dunno. I suppose I can say that scientology is completely and utterly idiodic.
I think any religeon can be turned into a cult, depending on who the leaders are.
Depends on your opinion of the religion.
all religions could be looked upon as a “cult”
because there is no proof that any religions are real.
it just depends who you ask.
because scientologists, definitly don’t view their religion as a cult anymore then chrisitans view their relgion as a cult.
“cult” is such a religiously intolerant word.
I don’t know enough about it to judge.