scientology

[wizard69]

anyone just see the BBC Panaroma programme about Scientologists?
what a bunch of insiduous creepy loons...

[naomi24]

I've recorded it Wiz. I'll get back to you tomorrow.

[jenstar]

No, but I saw a programme about the staff of York Minster. What a bunch of insidious creepy loons...

[annavc]

I watched it - wished it had been more than 30 minutes long as it was very interesting. It really has to be one of the weirdest "religions" out there and the level of paranoia is astounding.

One thing I wished the programme had focused on more was the exhibition of the "evil of psychiatry" or whatever it was called. They seemed to be blaming the holocaust on psychiatrists and it really seemed to get to the investigator so I'd be interested to know more about that side of their beliefs. It just seems bizarre to the extreme.

I can only surmise that they are all extremely insecure about their beliefs, otherwise why do they try to block and discredit anyone who challenges them. At least most religious people are happy to debate their faith to some degree (even if it is just by quoting the bible endlessly!) but this lot use intimidation to stop others even asking questions. I pretty much spent the entire programme staring at the screen agog!

[Fingerprint]

I watched it, quite shocking and quite funny the way that reporter lost his temper like that. I was at an exhibition a few weeks ago and they had a stand there. They tried to give me a stress test but I declined.

[wizard69]

pmsl @ jenstar. I thought exactly the same about the York Minster staff.
annavc...I too wished they had focused more on their views on psychiatry because (im playing devils advocate here) they actually have some interesting views on it with which I agree. The holocaust thing is obviously hard to swallow and is frankly just batty but their ideas on shrinks doping people up with mind altering drugs rings true. I have had dealings with the psychiatric services and found them a hinderance rather than a help. Years ago I actually got sectioned (its a long story) and was forced to take drugs against my will. Looking back, what I really needed was a good rest and an understanding ear, not drugs to sedate me and cover up my problems.Its also well documented how so called antidepressants have caused people to commit suicide.
I have read books by ex mental health proffesionals who's views echo those held by scientologists...namley that there are better ways of helping people than filling them full of drugs and questioning them about their sex life.
In the interests of fairness the programme shoul have delved a little deeper I think.

[wizard69]

Finger...that was hilarious when he lost his rag. Nearly choked on me supper...

[naomi24]

I've just watched it and I too wish they'd have investigated further. Additionally, since the reporter had been asked not to refer to Scientology as a cult, I feel by continuing to do so he was simply provoking negative reaction rather than seriously investigating the basis of belief and the effect it has on its followers. I wonder what the Scientologists are teaching their followers and why so many famous people feel it is so useful to them? No one explained that, but perhaps it's the 'not what you know, but who you know' syndrome - a sort of 'Old Boys Club'.

The programme seemed to concentrate on the paranoid reactions of the leaders more than anything else, and it appears they do have things to hide, but I wish the reporter hadn't lost his temper.

Fingerprint: I couldn't have resisted that test. I know my mind is strong enough to withstand anyone's influence, so I'd have given it a go - and I'd have probably found the results quite amusing.

[brionon]

I find it disgusting that members of the ''Atheist Liberation Front'' ie. ALF. have been moving Religious books, {Bibles,Scientology etc.} to the Science Fiction Dept.
They call it Striking a blow at the Monstrous Regiment of Religion. A parody of a quote by a christian.

[jenstar]

Did anyone see the Channel 4 programme "A Beginner's Guide To L. Ron Hubbard" a few months back?

[bensmum]

I thought it was a good programme and maybe they should have investigated further but these people don't want to be investigated do they? It seemed as if the reporter was coming up against a brick wall every time he tried to get close. But yes everyone is entitled to their beliefs and he should not have referred to them as a cult to their faces all the time, sinister though they were. I don't think it's the sort of subject where there will ever be a well-balanced discussion