PANTHEON
As today is Dianetics Day I figure it’s time to pick up this series again. Along with the Buddhists and Hindus, Scientology is one religion I still need to tick off my list for the series. This is going to be incredibly difficult because I honestly have very little love for Scientology or L. Ron Hubbard. Bear with me and please forgive if the occasional snark slips out.
13. Reincarnation
Ok, so my personal belief in reincarnation doesn’t involve distant planets but I have to give props to folks who also believe this ain’t our first rodeo.
12. Nerve
The Fair Game Doctrine, extensive use of litigation and sheer aggressiveness in protecting itself, I gotta give Scientology credit. They’re wily and scrappy, and while I don’t always agree with how that manifests I do have to admire the cojones.
11. The Cross
It’s pretty.
10. Dianetics
Reading about Dianetics reminds me of some of the Reclaiming and more healing/therapy oriented forms of Witchcraft I read about when I was younger. Whether you’re trying to erase engrams or confront the Guardian on the Threshold, this use of religion as psychotherapy seems familiar. I would imagine there are some Pagan groups engaged in “clearing” activities similar to Dianetics without even realizing it.
9. They Have Worse Movies Than We Do
Sure, apparently Nicholas Cage is the bane of our existence, but at least we didn’t fund and star in a horrible film associated with us. Before you start dumping on Thor or The Wicker Tree, take a deep breath and give thanks it wasn’t Battlefield Earth.
8. They Make Us Look Normal
Reaching out for suggestions, a lot of Pagans told me this was the thing they like best about Scientology. Any day men in suits seem odder than men in tie-dye skirts is a good day in my book.
7. Service Organizations
Narconon, Volunteer Ministers and other service organization seem to be a key part of their organization. Service to humanity is an aim I can support.
6. Man is Basically Good
As someone who believes passionately that humanity is good, born good and dies good, I can support this. I also like the part of their creed that says no one may destroy or enslave another soul.
5. The Prayer for Total Freedom
May the author of the universe enable all men to reach an understanding of their spiritual nature.
May awareness and understanding of life expand, so that all may come to know the author of the universe.
And may others also reach this understanding which brings Total Freedom.
At this time, we think of those whose liberty is threatened; of those who have suffered imprisonment for their beliefs; of those who are enslaved or martyred, and for all those who are brutalized, trapped or attacked.
We pray that human rights will be preserved so that all people may believe and worship freely, so that freedom will once again be seen in our land.
Freedom from war, and poverty, and want; freedom to be; freedom to do and freedom to have.
Freedom to use and understand Man’s potential—a potential that is God-given and Godlike.
And freedom to achieve that understanding and awareness that is Total Freedom.
May God let it be so.
4. Freedom of Religion
Scientology has freedom of religion as part of it’s code: “12. To support the freedom of religion.”
3. Keeps Anonymous Busy
Because seriously, a day when Anonymous doesn’t notice you is a good day. HBGary and Bank of America can vouch for this.
2. Self-Determination
This concept is very similar to the concept of Will in Witchcraft and Ceremonial Magick. Although reports of their practices seem to differ with this concept, if they truly are about strengthening individual Will, then I have to say I’m all for that.
1. John Travolta
How can you not absolutely love John Travolta? He’s a great actor, a fabulous dancer, good looking, funny and from all accounts a really kind and loving human being. He even makes archangels look smoking hot.
If you enjoyed this check out the posts on Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Mormonism, Judaism, Islam and Paganism in this series!
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