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Scientology: Controversial creed of spirituality
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Washington, D.C. (Map, News) - First off, as both camps insist, Scientology is not Christian Science.
In fact, it’s not even Christian — though the church, founded in 1952 by visionary writer L. Ron Hubbard, claims compatibility with most other religions. It, however, famously disparages modern psychiatry.
“Scientology is a religion that gives you tools to help yourself,” Sylvia Stanard, government relations director for Washington, D.C.’s Founding Church of Scientology, said of the esoteric creed. “It’s more in the Eastern tradition, so it’s more [in keeping with] developing your own spiritual relationship with God — and not [that of accepting dictated] beliefs.”
The offspring of Hubbard, a prolific organizational and science-fiction writer who died in 1986, and of his foundational 1950 book, “Dianetics: the Modern Science of Mental Health,” Scientology claims methods to achieve spiritual insight across previous lives — and greater fulfillment and effectiveness in the present one.
“If you’re not enjoying life, something is wrong,” Stanard said of the freedom-prizing and mental-clarity faith that teaches a form of reincarnation. “[Scientology] gives you a lot of tools and techniques and spiritual help, so you can do better.”
The international church, which numbers some 46 financially independent churches in the United States and a church-estimated worldwide membership of 10 million, is headquartered in Los Angeles. It holds that human beings — “thetans” — are immortal and essentially good, but have become “aberrated” by ancient and present traumas.
Known as “engrams,” these traumas, which impede spiritual consciousness and human potential, can be dispelled through church programs administered through “auditing” sessions with trained Scientologists and attested to through experience, not faith.
About 40 percent of the church’s offerings are free, Stanard said, but others, which escort an initiate along the esoteric path from “pre-clear” to “clear” and ultimately to eight levels of “operating thetan,” are fee-driven, with recruiters being offered commissions.
A prospering religion, Scientology’s commercial side has invited critics, some of whom claim the tax-exempt church is but a trans-national corporation posing as a religion.
Others — pointing to several, recent high-profile brushes members have had with the law — charge that the church ruthlessly surpresses dissent and exercises a cult-like control over its adherents.
“It’s amazing stuff,” said D. Charles Stewart, a Columbia Scientologist who uses Hubbard’s management systems in his office. “You learn how to do things that make your life better.”
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11:25 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 3, 2007 re: "Scripture at heart of gay marriage battle"
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Examiner Reader said:
This is yet another example of Mr. Corrigan passing his editorial opinion off as news. He did not even bother presenting the ideas of the majority, who voted to petition the General Assembly to allow same-sex marriage.
188 agree | 163 disagree
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BennyFactor said:
I don't think the scriptures are at all ambiguous that homosexuality is sin. However, if you examine old testament scripture in the original language and compare that "God-Breathed" Word with later less accurate English translations, you'll find an extra emphasis placed on homosexual sin that was not originally there, which has enabled homophobes within the Christian church to be dismissive in ways Christ would not likely agree with. The question that needs to be asked is: Why is government being asked to engage in Sanctification (marriage as opposed to rights to legal unions)? AND Why would a church condone (sanctify) sin? Give couples rights (visitation, inheritance etc.) but don't parse sin as a compromise.
170 agree | 158 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
In the end, the Presbyterian Church will decide what the Presbyterian Church will do with this issue. Why this is deemed "anti-choice" is beyond me since it appears as though both sides are being given an opportunity to make a "choice". The majority will decide. For those who disagree with the final decision, which ever way it goes, you have the option of joining a church that is more suitable to your own belief system rather than forcing someone else to adopt your beliefs to the detriment of their own. No one is required to be a member of the Presbyterian Church. Then again, this argument is really not about choice to begin with. Is it?
176 agree | 159 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This is just another example of Mr. Corrigan's anti-choice agenda. I remain astounded that the editors of the Examiner keep letting Mr. Corrigan write his own editorial position and pass it off as news.
140 agree | 132 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Given Mr. Corrigan prejudices, I am surprised he even bothered talking to anyone that actually supports ENDA. He was able to hide that response in the last paragragh, but only after he let two people from CWA mischaracterize the bill.
186 agree | 154 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
As a Catholic for many decades, let me say that it sickens me to know the preverted nature of so many priests. Talk about woman's right, the Church is a hypocrite. They are making nuns homeless while paying hush money to victims of clergy sexual abuse.
172 agree | 161 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Hopefully the new archbishop has higher standards than Cardinal Keeler. It is a disgrace how Keeler has dealt with the sexual abuse and rape of several of the priests in the Baltimore area. When I became really disgusted is when he referred to the pediphile priests as being "just immature." Is that all he considers such such clergy to be.
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Examiner Reader said:
In writing this article the author, Mr. Corrigan, did not reveal that he used to be a regular protester outside clinics that offer abortion. This fact that should have been acknowledged would have allowed the reader to add Mr. Corrigan's prejudices into their estimation of the truthfulness of this article.
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cult survivor said:
Individuals of weak character turn to authoritarian (fundamentalist) religious faith as a means of escape from coping with the scary things that happen in life. This irresponsible choice permits them to avoid the burden of developing intellectual and emotional maturity. Their wrathful and reactionary deity (conveniently expressing all of their primitive fears) does all their thinking for them.
225 agree | 192 disagree
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Patrick McKay said:
One has to distinguish between what is carried out in the NAME of religion, as opposed to what religion actually teaches. Much more innocent blood has been shed through communism than anything else, as anyone who cares to research the matter properly will find. Also, there are many who claim that the 'big, bad' Catholic Church 'condemns millions or poor sub-Saharan Africans to die from HIV/AIDS, because she 'refuses to lift her ban on the use of prophylactics'. Nonsense. Anyone who cares to research the subject will find that south of the Sahara, only some 15% of people are Catholic. In Botswana, for example, where only 5% of people are Catholic, the HIV infection rate is an appalling 37.3%. How can the Church be to blame for this? In any event, statistics reveal that wherever the use of condoms is vigorously promoted, the incidence of STDs actually ESCALATES. Look beyond the media spin and concentrate instead on the FACTS.
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Ave Maria said:
Hype. Next question.
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Examiner Reader said:
Not only does organized religion cause more wars and launder more money then any other organizations in teh world , It now causes major cover ups and scandals. I would NEVER donate to an organization that covers up and hides pedophiles. Maybe the church and NAMBLA should join forces (North American Man Alter Boy Lovers Association ) !
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Patrick McKay said:
Karen When you are called from this life, your nationality is just one more thing you must leave on earth. It won't cut any ice with St. Peter at the 'pearly gates'. I may be Scottish, but I'm anything other than patriotic. What is one's nationality really worth, looking at the eternal picture? Don't get too attached to it.
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Karen Boswell said:
My FIRST pregnancy;at 18, ended in ABORTION. I was raped and convinced by all the adults around me that it was best to abort the baby. Only 14 years later at age 32 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After four years as a survivor...I have stayed informed and do advocacy related to health issues. I think America and other countries need to heed this advice about the breast cancer-abortion link. I will continue to speak out on this issue. It hits home and I do not want to see more woman lose their own life behind an unplanned pregnancy. I spoke on Capital Hill this past Roe vs Wade anniversary. Check out www.silentnomoreawareness.org Click on testimonies....then Karen in Pennsylvania. God Bless America...my home sweet home!!!!!
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Patrick McKay said:
Sorry, folks, the last line should read.....'How many more have to suffer before the blinkers finally come off?'
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Patrick McKay said:
There are those who cite 'smoking', 'poor diet' and 'lack of exercise' as the 'likely causes' of breast cancer. This cannot be, otherwise it would be afflicting males in equal (if not greater) numbers. Male breasts do not, of course, produce milk for offspring. A little logical thinking tells us the problem must be related to the female reproductive system. I am writing from the UK, where every October sees another 'Breast Cancer Awareness' month - and another round of pink ribbons, balloons and sanctimonious hand-wringing. Although the cancer researchers continue to rake in the funding, the incidence of breast cancer has increased significantly on their watch. They simply will not admit that both abortion and the 'pill' are to blame, for they know it would cause a political storm. Breast cancer is one of a host of women's ailments that were virtually unheard of before the 'swinging sixties'. How many more have to suffer before the blinkers finally come
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Examiner Reader said:
OK, I wrote the comment below...and I was not reading this article when I wrote it. So I do apologize to the person who is now two down below. Although your comment could have just as easily applied to the article I thought I was commenting on, in which case, you would have been correct. I have not (and am not) going to read this article, so your view opinion may be 130% correct for all I know. I still don't know how I got to this page. Must have too many tabs open. :)
215 agree | 205 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Incorrect to the one below me. It is the timing of the article -- Friday the 13th. The point of the article is that Wiccans are extremely misunderstood. The timing is why it may seem one-sided. I myself thought that Wiccans were all weird freaks until I started dating one. I even went to a few of their meetings so that I could get a better understanding. Contrary to what I expected, everyone there was normal, pleasant and had great senses of humor. In fact, they are all about love and peace. While I did not and am not converting, I better understand their religion and will admit that I was falsely stereotyping. Wiccans are the complete opposite of what I had always thought them to be. Total ignorance on my part.
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Examiner Reader said:
I do not believe there was enough information provided regarding the opposite finding, therefore this article, being far too one-sided, is more propaganda than news. Perhaps a more broad approach would have lent more creedance to this article.
226 agree | 214 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I think this hate crime bill is a "hate crime" in itself, and anyone who votes for it should be forced to take a "basic 7th grade civics class" Hate crimes are not that common -- this is just a way for democrats to pander votes.
764 agree | 262 disagree
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Ivan Pare said:
This article deals with private revelations; no body is obliged to believe in private revelations even if it may be prudent to do so. Just as no body is obliged to subscribe to the Holy Catholic Church or the Churches teachings or the gifts She has to offer. God graces all his creatures with free will. However, one might do well to consider these scripture reading exerpts taken from the universally celebrated Holy Sacrafice of the Mass; 4/20/07 FIRST READING=ACTS, 5:34-42 ...Gamaliel,who was a doctor of the law and respectedby the whole people stood up and...addressed the Sanhedrin, ... 'If this enterprise,this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of it's own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.' ... The Mass readings. of 4/21= ACTS 6:7 confirm the fact that "the number of disciples greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission."
328 agree | 300 disagree
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Nancy said:
While I don't believe Sullivan has true visions, I do believe the country as a whole is straying too far away from the spiritual and towards the material. God is surely not happy that abortion is legal. Something has to wake people up.
350 agree | 343 disagree
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Robert Coli said:
I believe this is a perfect opportunity for the Arch Dioceses of Baltimore to reopen the investigation of the Marian apparitions to Gianna Sullivan which took place for seven years WITHIN the walls of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Emmitsburg Maryland. Let it be known that these apparitions of The Blessed Virgin Mary took place in St. Joseph's WITH CARDINAL WILLIAM KEELER'S permission from 1993 until 2000 at the recomendation of priest and Marian theologians who were very supportive and believed in the apparitions. In 2000 the apparitions were no longer allowed to take place on church property because the messages given by The Blessed Virgin Mary described what is happening in our world today. Hind site is 20/20 for those willing to see. Let it be known, The Blessed Virgin Mary did appear to Gianna Sullivan with the permission of the Cardinal until 2000 in the church, and since then within the directives of the Arch Dioceses of Baltimore. Truth always wins.
369 agree | 347 disagree
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Michael T. Sullivan, MD said:
To learn even more about this timely subject and about all that Our Lady has been saying for the last several years in Emmitsburg, do a Google search for "Our Lady of Emmitsburg," and review to top 4-5 entries.
329 agree | 315 disagree
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Michael T. Sullivan, MD said:
In a private message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg given to Gianna Sullivan on April 19, 2007, after the terrible tragedy at Virginia Tech, Our Lady said: ....God is not vindictive, but human free will gets in the way and allows destruction, not only personally, but also to others. Those, who do not desire God, have the opportunity through their rejection not only to cause physical harm, but also interior turmoil...My Son desires love, and His Sacrifice was one so that all could be drawn into His Love...All He did was for the greater glory of God the Father so that all could be happy and live in peace, for all to be joyful and to know the Truth...God desires all people to join Him and to live in Heaven with Him. Without Him, humanity is nothing!...God desires for everyone to be free and to live within Him. Peace to you.
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Examiner Reader said:
We must believe.
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