A Scientologist’s Thoughts on the “C”-Word

Last updated on: August 16, 2018 at 4:56 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

Scientologist Leland Thoburn on why we should erase the “C”-word from our vocabulary, originally published on STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) and published here with its permission. I’m telling you to stop using the word “cult.” The “C”-word. Just stop it. Why? I challenge you—if you can show me a sentence where the word “cult” isn’t demeaning, I’ll back off. Write to me here. Photo by Michael Arnault/Shutterstock.com Everyone knows of the problem with the “N”-word. “LGBTQ” is now used... Read more

In Their Own Image: Psychiatry’s Attack on Religion

Last updated on: July 25, 2018 at 10:46 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

Scientologist Wayne Hanson’s blog on STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) on Psychiatry’s undermining of spirituality: its frontal attack on religion. A decade ago, the Royal Society of Medicine posited that psychiatry had become “the new religion,” replacing priests with psychiatrists, confessionals with clinics, and prayers with pharmaceuticals. The article concludes that psychiatry is aping religion and is on its way to supplant religion, as Karl Marx said, in becoming “the opium of the people.” And while Americans sleep in on the... Read more

A Modern Parable of Love Conquering Hate

Last updated on: July 25, 2018 at 10:34 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

A blog published on STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) illustrates the power of love over hate in a very moving narrative. Republished with the permission of STAND. The Rabbi and the Bigot—A Story of Redemption American researcher and Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, published an essay in 1965 wherein he posits the importance of using and teaching the “correct technology.” Simply put, there’s a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things. The right way... Read more

Celebrating the Indigenous Culture of Australia

Last updated on: October 1, 2018 at 11:13 am By ScientologyBeliefs

Scientology Volunteer Ministers joined in the festivities at the National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Celebration in Yarrabah, Queensland. The bright yellow tent of the Volunteer Ministers was decorated in black, red and yellow balloons, the traditional colors of the Aboriginal people, in celebration of indigenous culture at the National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Celebration (NAIDOC) in Yarrabah, Queensland. The Volunteer Ministers offered practical help in their bright yellow tent. Visitors could select from their 19 life skills booklets and courses.... Read more

Drug-Free World South Africa Joined in the 100-Man March

Last updated on: October 1, 2018 at 11:20 am By ScientologyBeliefs

Drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence are intimately linked. Marching for an end to violence against women and children, Drug-Free World South Africa joined forces with thousands in Pretoria July 10 at the 100-Man March. When the 100-Man March launched July 10, Drug-Free World South Africa was there, lending its support and commitment to addressing the crucial issue of ending violence against women and children in the country. For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom. Read more

Harlem Applauds Young Activists at the Finale of the Human Rights Summit

Last updated on: July 19, 2018 at 1:49 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

A multi-cultural celebration hosted by the Church of Scientology Harlem is the send-off for youth delegates and ambassadors from around the world on the last day of the 15th annual Human Rights Summit of Youth for Human Rights International. Queen Mother Dr. Delois N. Blakely, Honorary Community Mayor of Harlem and founder of New Future Foundation, welcomed 88 young human rights advocates from around the world to Harlem. Hosted by the Church of Scientology Harlem, the celebration was the final day... Read more

Scientology: If You Don’t Know, Don’t Pretend to Know

Last updated on: July 19, 2018 at 11:37 am By ScientologyBeliefs

Blog by Scientologist Dean Blehert, published on the website of STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) on biased media coverage of Scientology. When I hear attacks on people or groups in the media, I notice the attackers provide all the trimmings of “objectivity” when there is no objectivity. Videos of those attacked show people in awkward positions or with lighting that makes them look odd and sinister. Photo by 1000 Words/Shutterstock.com The “experts” interviewed are given softball questions, leading questions, etc.... Read more

How I Answer Questions About Scientology: “Do the Math.”

Last updated on: July 19, 2018 at 11:20 am By ScientologyBeliefs

Blog by Scientologist John Logothetis, published on the website of STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) on how he answers questions about Scientology. Scientology has millions of parishioners. MILLIONS. I have been asked on occasion why it is that there are a few unhappy ex-parishioners and I literally want to laugh when I am asked this. I don’t even slightly get defensive. I just say: “Do the math.” In any group, you get your “disgruntled” or “upset” people or you could even have... Read more

Scientology European Office and Religious Allies at the Faith and Freedom Summit

Last updated on: July 12, 2018 at 1:54 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

STAND (Scientologists Taking Action Against Discrimination) article on the Faith and Freedom Summit, a landmark event to promote religious freedom in Europe. Published courtesy of STAND. On June 28 at the landmark Solvay Library, situated near the European Parliament, a large group of faith and government representatives met in what has been termed the first Faith and Freedom Summit. Their aspiration: To devise and implement a formula that will bridge the deep divides between people of different faiths or none, and... Read more

In Memory of Chris Cornell, July 20, 1964—May 18, 2017

Last updated on: July 12, 2018 at 1:53 pm By ScientologyBeliefs

A very personal message from Scientologist Melissa Butz on addiction, one’s own responsibility, and the loss of our favorite artists through drug abuse. Published courtesy of STAND: Scientologist Taking Action Against Discrimination. When my brother and I were kids, we were driving in the car with my dad one day and “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin came on the radio. My very unserious dad got a little serious and said, “Listen to these words.” We listened. He waited. Then he... Read more