Scientology is a unique belief system. It does qualify as a church. There is nothing to say Hubbard's experience in life is not unique. If this were a thousand years out from Hubbard's life the view would be very different in regard to this particular church.
People can point to many other charismatic leaders that have a benevolent purpose to their spirituality. In the case of Scientology, is joy such a bad thing? The obvious and unfortunate reality of some members can't be denied. There is no reason to trash Scientology to identify problems within the church.
It appears to me the actual basis of Scientology's faith is felt through what is called "externalism." There are many in the world that have experienced 'out of body realities' that are not members of Scientology. The difference between them and Scientology is the fact these experiences have been contextualized into a religion that obsesses about their members. I am pleased members have detailed notes regarding their experience in this religion as it assures they are OKAY and not experiencing other phenomena. I think the note taking is about safety. Now, whether the note taking is used in a poor methodology against some members who want to leave the faith has to be known. People are allowed to move on in many established religions.
Scientology is a very powerful religion with accumulations of wealth due to the status of their famous members. That is not a crime. What sincerely bothers me is the fact women are leaving the church because of the well being of their children. That is a reality in many cases and not just a few. What also concerns me is the willingness of strong family ties that become weapons to 'disconnection' after members have left the faith.
There is an obvious paranoia in Scientology to force this type of disconnection and it needs to be understood. No one's reputation can be adversely effected because of leaving the church. Spirituality is a personal dynamic. Scientology may be the next scandal of a church. Other churches have weathered the storm of investigation. Child neglect and abuse are not minor issues for any religion.
I'll state this much. In the film it is stated Hubbard lied about his experiences in the military and having been blinded, when in fact he was suffering from conjunctivitis. The one report about child abuse included the fact the child had severe eye infections that "...welded it's eyes shut." That is only one reporting and not a higher number of instances that might indicate something else is being conducted. BUT, the reality is child neglect within the church has to be investigated.
February 19, 2015
By Colin Gorenstein
Alex Gibney’s (click here) highly anticipated new documentary “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” is now slated for a March 29 HBO debut.
The documentary was one of the buzziest films from Sundance (it premiered before a packed house) and even prompted the Church of Scientology to take out a full-page ad in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times a week before its premier, claiming that the documentary was packed with lies.
Today, HBO has released an official trailer for the documentary which you can feast your eyes on in the meantime....
Also of note is the fact children have been born to parents within the faith and have not seemed to have been effected into adulthood. None the less, there are some instances that have to be understood and corrected.
I also believe Hubbard lived in a time where there were no words to express externalism and fabricated a reality that would make sense to incoming members. Many members current and/or past do testify they improved their lives while within the church up to the point they are called "Cleared." In all honesty, what happens after that point needs to be viewed as writing of a man challenged to be accepted.
People can point to many other charismatic leaders that have a benevolent purpose to their spirituality. In the case of Scientology, is joy such a bad thing? The obvious and unfortunate reality of some members can't be denied. There is no reason to trash Scientology to identify problems within the church.
It appears to me the actual basis of Scientology's faith is felt through what is called "externalism." There are many in the world that have experienced 'out of body realities' that are not members of Scientology. The difference between them and Scientology is the fact these experiences have been contextualized into a religion that obsesses about their members. I am pleased members have detailed notes regarding their experience in this religion as it assures they are OKAY and not experiencing other phenomena. I think the note taking is about safety. Now, whether the note taking is used in a poor methodology against some members who want to leave the faith has to be known. People are allowed to move on in many established religions.
Scientology is a very powerful religion with accumulations of wealth due to the status of their famous members. That is not a crime. What sincerely bothers me is the fact women are leaving the church because of the well being of their children. That is a reality in many cases and not just a few. What also concerns me is the willingness of strong family ties that become weapons to 'disconnection' after members have left the faith.
There is an obvious paranoia in Scientology to force this type of disconnection and it needs to be understood. No one's reputation can be adversely effected because of leaving the church. Spirituality is a personal dynamic. Scientology may be the next scandal of a church. Other churches have weathered the storm of investigation. Child neglect and abuse are not minor issues for any religion.
I'll state this much. In the film it is stated Hubbard lied about his experiences in the military and having been blinded, when in fact he was suffering from conjunctivitis. The one report about child abuse included the fact the child had severe eye infections that "...welded it's eyes shut." That is only one reporting and not a higher number of instances that might indicate something else is being conducted. BUT, the reality is child neglect within the church has to be investigated.
February 19, 2015
By Colin Gorenstein
Alex Gibney’s (click here) highly anticipated new documentary “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” is now slated for a March 29 HBO debut.
The documentary was one of the buzziest films from Sundance (it premiered before a packed house) and even prompted the Church of Scientology to take out a full-page ad in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times a week before its premier, claiming that the documentary was packed with lies.
Today, HBO has released an official trailer for the documentary which you can feast your eyes on in the meantime....
Also of note is the fact children have been born to parents within the faith and have not seemed to have been effected into adulthood. None the less, there are some instances that have to be understood and corrected.
I also believe Hubbard lived in a time where there were no words to express externalism and fabricated a reality that would make sense to incoming members. Many members current and/or past do testify they improved their lives while within the church up to the point they are called "Cleared." In all honesty, what happens after that point needs to be viewed as writing of a man challenged to be accepted.
