so, is there any scientologysts here?

If so, they've never posted.

Are you our first?

I think I'm a pretty tolerant person. Especially when it comes to religious beliefs. But I find Scientology absolutely ridiculous and would certainly negatively judge anyone admitting to belonging to their 'church.' We know how it was created and how it all came from the mind of a known science-fiction/fantasy author. Scientology is much more similar to starting a Lord of the Rings religion than basing a religion off the Bible, imo.

The Lord of the Rings has a coherent plot, though. I think I'd have an easier time believing in a LOTR religion than one based on a book like the bible.

A Christian Myth

Here are some of the ways The Lord of the Rings is a Christian myth.
Darkness pervades Middle-earth where man, beast and nature are called to an adventure full of peril and hope. Here is how Elijah Wood explains the film's dominant theme: â??No matter how bad things are, no matter how much evil there is in this world, there is always some good worth fighting for, worth standing up for, and worth some effort in carrying on.â?� [3]

The One Ring illustrates how evil can entice and enslave. Beautiful gold rings are enticing to wear. But when we slip them on our fingers we announce our devotion and loyalty to their owner.

Gandalf and Saruman, while not analogous, have traits, goals, and experiences similar to those of Jesus and Satan. Gandalf is even tempted in a battle with Saruman not unlike Christ is tempted by Satan in the wilderness.

Evil is parasitic and can only destroy that which was created. Everything that Ilúvatar (God) created in Middle-earth (and in our world) is good. It is the perversion and corruption of what was created that is evil. Good can exist on its own. Evil can only live off what is good.

Like all Chritians, Frodo is called to risk his life through great peril to save others. Frodo, like us, does not appear to be up to the task. He does not have any obvious talent suited for war. But he is chosen, as we are. We are all necessary for God's grand plan to be fulfilled; and even the most unlikely and disgusting Gollum-like beast in our life is necessary. And when Frodo asks, "What can a little hobbit do?" — Isaiah answers, "A little child will lead them" (11:6).

In the Shire, the Hobbits come naturally to living a beatific life that Christ calls Christians to live by. The Hobbits are the meek that inherit the earth, the merciful who receive mercy, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. (Mt. 5:3-12)

Like all Christians, Tolkien's characters are called to play roles in a story tht is much greater and more important than they are aware. Just as we are not aware of all that has happened before us, [4] so Gandalf, at the end of The Hobbit, says to Bilbo, "You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit? â?¦you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!"

There is a longing for the return of the king. As Christians long for the return of Christ the King, so the free people of Middle-earth long for their kingdoms to be once more united in peace and justice under the rightful heir. Did I mention that Aragorn looks like Christ?

The Fellowship of the Ring is constituted of different characters with different gifts suited for battling evil — the diversity keeps them united. This is not unlike the diversity of spiritual gifts and temporal talents given to the different members of the Christian community for the unity of the body — so that we might be dependent on each other.

Upon leaving Lórien, each of the Fellowship members are given custom fitted Elvish hooded cloaks not unlike St. Paul's amour in Ephesians 6:10-17. Again, Tolkien disliked allegory; so the cloaks are not exactly like St. Paul's amour of salvation. But they do have mystical traits of great aid that keep them safe in their battle with ev

It's easy to see a Christian myth if you look for one...but I'm going to have to stop you right here.

Illuvatar created Melkor, and Melkor was the source of all evil in middle earth. No, wait...Illuvatar was the source of all evil in middle earth.

Actually, that reminds me of something....

Maybe it is a Christian myth.

I would be disappointed if the first scientologist's first sentence in RGT was "so, is there any scientologysts here?"

i'm considering scientology... who do i have to talk to?

John Travolta.

Tom Cruise.

I don't think they're *TRUE* Scientologists:

http://www.scientology.org/what-is-s...ntologist.html

To atheists, that is a common view of Christianity. Obviously, Scientology is without mystery, and isn't based in history, however, mystery behind it's invention and being based in a time when history wasn't well recorded doesn't make a religion any less fake.

In regards to Scientology, one time in Florida I was driving and saw a bum with a sign and CDs. A friend decided that we needed to go back and get a CD, so obviously we did. He told us all about how Scientologists were trying to kill him, and how they're evil, etc. Then on the CD there was a like 50 page rambling about what Scientology was trying to do to him.

It was awesome.

In two thousand years, when the details of its origins and history are lost, is it goign to be objectively more crazy than christianity?

The leader of the church officiated Tom's wedding. I think he counts.

What are the chances that there's some $$$$ associated with that decision?

If the origins and history are lost, then no, I don't think it would be different than Christianity.

Scientology forbids gambling (they've got better things for you to spend money on). I'm guessing that most of them can't access 2+2, since The Church strongly encourages members to install their custom web filtering software.

What if he read the religion's rules and history from golden plates using seer stones?

Personally, I hate scientology.

So I have no dog in the fight. But I think Tom Cruise has gotten a bad rap over this whole thing.

Being kin to a lawyer, I saw all the hallmarks of bu****** when I read the articles detailing the moves she made in the the sudden divorce.

I have never seen someone orchestrate, capitalize on and direct the media the way she has. From being worth 30 mil and moving into an unkempt part of town and registering her daughter in a public school to her people spreading unproven, ridiculous stories about 'scientologist secret sercive' stalking her.

And yesterday she gave an interview.

When asked about her divorce, she listed 3 reasons.

First one out of her mouth was a reference to her "career."

Nuff said.

cite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scieno_Sitter

Wow disgusting

$50 says wiki is on the filter list.

I have the same reaction about Christianity.

Seriously, the "established" religions benefit from the fact that their origins came before the advent of modern technology and journalistic practices. You can see how Mormonism, for instance, is hurt by the fact that newspapers and the printing press were around at the time of its creation.

If we had a time machine and could go back and watch Christianity be created, you'd see the same sorts of contradictory and implausible claims, power struggles, secrecy, and cult-like behavior as we've gotten to witness up close with L. Ron Hubbard and his disciples.

Scientology isn't a "more obviously false" religion-- it's a younger one, and younger ones tend to LOOK more obviously false, because we get to witness the birth pangs.

What's the difference between being more obviously false and looking more obviously false? The 'obviously' part speaks to how it looks.