yes we celebrate christmas.
its funny what people who are NOT scientologists say about us. I can make up what I THINK some religions believe. That doesnt mean they do... funny.
If you dont have anything nice to say, why speak? isnt there anything you can do to better your life? if you like catholic stuff(just an example) go get busy with catholic activities, dont waste life talking about things you hate. perfect example....would you eat a ham sandwich if you hated it. no you wouldnt....

My advice to Katie/Kate/Xenu/(k) the artist formerly known as Katie/whatever would be:

"DON'T DRINK THE KOOLAID!!!!!!!"

so there....that's all I got..

For once and for all, Katies given name is KATE NOELLE HOLMES.

Anon, thanks for all your info, I for one really appreciate it.
I just want to add one thing. tc is quoted as saying "I've helped hundreds of people get off drugs" He also goes on to say Narconon is the ONLY successful drug treatment program DESPITE the fact that it has never been recognized as an actual drug treatment program.....by anyone in the medical community.

My question is........if tc has helped hundreds of people....why not reach out to the many desperate people in his own line of work!!! You'd think being as gung ho about $cientology as he is he'd jump at the chance for a high profile "intervention" Imagine the member spike if he could actually CURE Pete D. in three days of his herion addiction!!
You know why? Because it, just like other "promises" by $cienos, is a SCAM. tc has NEVER cured anyone in three days of herion addiction or any other addiction, and he never will

Sounds about right, Libraesque, regarding the Q&A sessions. They even have kiosks in the mall here now in addition to the people standing out on the streets in places known for party atmospheres so they can catch the drunk kids.

td, totally agree. That "adopted" adjective is totally unnecessary and insulting. If you are a parent, you are a parent regardless of how or when.

[cont.]
Again, they can help all they want. It is the guise under which they do so that I have issue with. When the founders are those who set forth the policies that are the issue, how could it be possible it does not effect almost all aspects? It was the hypocrite Hubbard's wife who was convicted and imprisoned for conspiracy with Operation Snow White, among others.

They're a for profit company. Do you have to pay to go to any church you can think of? Yes, tithes are expected and asked, but not required in any church I know of. In fact, I cannot think of another church who CHARGES for their services. Sure there are those hypocritical preachers again, who are in for the $, but have you ever met a person who is truly living the life to those standards that is swayed by the cash? Without the cash there is no Scientology for the person seeking help or enlightenment. Unless you sign your life over, work for them, live at their place, wear what they give you, do not leave without them, get less than $100 a week, and must move up in ranks or face being kicked out.

They could do much good, but it won't outweigh they fact that they're a cult and liars. They could've saved Anna Nicole according to John Travolta. Just not their own members. Travolta of course, as many members do, completely fabricates things to make them fit into his view. With the rumors that his son is autistic (his brother made a documentary about autism) he and his wife spoke about their son's health. They said he suffered from Kawasaki disease and that is was caused by environmental toxins. All good, except that it's not caused by that nor do the symptoms of one another match. Ever read about how he speaks about his children? It's a noticeable difference between their daughter and their son. He wants to, "Share her with the world," through movies. Jett, well he likes to stay at home.

When will the media stop calling Bella and Connor "Cruise's adopted children"? For Pete's sake!

I didn't notice the word "adopted" on the Christmas card nor did I see "birth child" either on the card or in the article in reference to Suri.

Adoption is how he became dad to these two kids. Stop labeling them that way! They're "Cruise's children" or "Cruise's children from his marriage to Nicole Kidman." Period.

a journalist went to a $cientology center once to experience what it was like to take the personality test, etc, and see what it was all about.
Some woman that was barely out of her teens "analyzed" his test and told him he needed to get into courses right away. he said he was a student and didn't have a lot of extra money...he had to buy books soon. She said "well you have a credit card don't you?" He said he did but it was almost maxed out. She said "no problem! we can fix that, how about getting another credit card??" He said NO Way! She then asked him if he would consider putting off school so he could spend the money more wisely, on $cientology courses.
At that point he said he wasn't interested. For months after he got as many as 12 phone calls a day from them, most of those late at night, asking him to come back to the center for a seminar. He had to spend un-necessary money to change his phone number and hassle telling friends/family/business associates his new number.

Jolee.....does this sound like a RELIGION to you??????

I understand what you're saying about the difference between blood transfusion and antidepressants, but where do you draw the line? It becomes one of those issues.

I know you have lots of examples of how scientology courses and dianetics (is it?) don't work, but how about testimonials from people who have been helped greatly? I think that has a lot to do with my first post: There are people who are genuinely chemically imbalanced and need medication, and there are others who have hit rough patch and think just THINK they need medication (maybe those are the ones who benefits from the Scientology courses). Unfortunately, our doctors are all too eager to prescribe it.

I have to run to the store (I know, pretty lame for a Friday night). I'll check back in a few...

You have lots of quotes from FBI files. How did you get those?

I'm not saying that if Scientology as an organization has done questionable, illegal things, or have preyed upon the weak, they shouldn't be investigated, or prosecuted. But I haven't seen many specific examples of that except the Lisa McPherson thing. I don't really think you can investigate/prosecute an organization for things like refusing medical attention for your child that needs a blood transfusion, or anti-depressants. If that was the case, Jehovah's Witness wouldn't be around. I think you have to look at things from a case-by-case stand point and hold the individuals responsible accountable. Maybe those running the Scientology organization are evil people, I don't know. All I'm saying is, its followers shouldn't be jumped all over and persecuted just because they believe something we may consider "weird." I understand you don't have an issue with them believing in aliens (or whatever), you have a problem with the people at the top. I think it's messed up that members of some religions would rather watch their child suffer and die, than give them a round of antibiotics, but it happens. And legally, not much can be done against people with those religious beliefs.

"Who am I? Well, I live where they have their worldwide headquarters, having grown up across the street from one of their compounds, watching them buy up the property that brings in the highest property taxes to declare it tax exempt and cry poor while doing so to get their fines dropped from unfinished contruction projects that take up city blocks. I have watched them buy drugs in my neighborhood when I was growing up. I have watched them cut people out of the lives of members when they show concern. I have watched them abuse their kids. I have watched them continue to smoke and drink while preaching their healthy lifestyle. I have watched them assassinate people's character in local media when they dare speak out. This area still remembers their attempts to smear the mayor who spoke against them- this is documented in the FBI files."
-----------------------------------
So there it is! You have had personal experiences. Your issues with Scientology are the same issues lots of people have with ALL organized religion: buying up property, character assassination, saying on thing and doing another (such as drinking). These things are not limited to Scientology. I'm not saying that makes it right, but I find your anger with them surprising considering none of this is news when it comes to organized affiliation, religious, or otherwise.

You grew up in Clearwater? I lived in St. Pete.

"Funny, Proud Scientologist, how you address not a one of the concerns people raise about your "religion" after speaking of the comments written."

Their refusal to converse about concerns has exactly what to do with their take on prescription meds?

My comments about the prescription medications are not subtle. There is no proof this man killed BECAUSE of his medication. Medications do in fact help many people. The end.

Again, your comments about my supposed criticism of their beliefs is misplaced and rather ironic considering the church members here are criticising every single person who has taken medication for a mental illness, "Big Pharma", and all involved with psychiatry. Who are THEY? They are untrained people promising cures to some of the most desperate members of society, then shun them when they cannot help them. Again, there is my issue, among others mentioned. Nothing to do with beliefs and all to do with execution.

Who am I? Well, I live where they have their worldwide headquarters, having grown up across the street from one of their compounds, watching them buy up the property that brings in the highest property taxes to declare it tax exempt and cry poor while doing so to get their fines dropped from unfinished contruction projects that take up city blocks. I have watched them buy drugs in my neighborhood when I was growing up. I have watched them cut people out of the lives of members when they show concern. I have watched them abuse their kids. I have watched them continue to smoke and drink while preaching their healthy lifestyle. I have watched them assassinate people's character in local media when they dare speak out. This area still remembers their attempts to smear the mayor who spoke against them- this is documented in the FBI files.

Execution, not beliefs.

Education is a great thing. Attempting to debate in depth when you are not familar with the topic makes little sense.

whateeeeeeever you say Jolee

now lets see........what's the word I'm looking for that would describe someone who makes a comment like this:

I'm telling you: who are you to criticize others for their religious beliefs? Who cares if members of certain religions refuse medical attention, or blood transfusions, or prescriptions pills? THAT IS THEIR CHOICE...not yours.

......oh right....IDIOT

who cares???? I CARE, because when people don't take medication they desperately need THEY KILL PEOPLE.......just like the very people you are saying kill people because they're on medication!!!!

4:30 PM Anonymous Says:

Anon, you obviously have a problem with where they stand on prescription drugs, do you not? You don't understand how my comment is relevant to your posts???

You were complaining that Proud Scientologist didn't address the concerns people have about their religion. This is your quote:

"Funny, Proud Scientologist, how you address not a one of the concerns people raise about your "religion" after speaking of the comments written." **Pretty general and broad, and then you get more specific about anti-depressants. How was my comment to you irrelevant?

I'm telling you: who are you to criticize others for their religious beliefs? Who cares if members of certain religions refuse medical attention, or blood transfusions, or prescriptions pills? THAT IS THEIR CHOICE...not yours.

Jolee.....thats real sweet.....your heartfelt concern for someone on a gossip site....I'm not quite sure why you CARE so much

Libraesque, then I CAN tell you that I think you're highly irrational and you should think about taking some of those prescription drugs you so strongly defend. You need them.